“For me they are better,” Aryna Sabalenka has a different opinion on two-week Masters than the rest of the tour as it helps her ‘forget tennis for a day’

Sabalenka supports the decision of the two-week format per tournament.

“For me they are better,” Aryna Sabalenka has a different opinion on two-week Masters than the rest of the tour as it helps her ‘forget tennis for a day’

Aryna Sabalenka (Via Imago)

World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka has endorsed the WTA’s proposal for two-week formats in Masters 1000 tournaments. The Belarusian tennis player shared her views on Saturday following her loss to World No.1 Iga Swiatek in the Italian Open final.

Sabalenka suffered consecutive final defeats to Swiatek in Madrid and Rome, bringing her head-to-head record against the World No.1 to 3-8. Additionally, she had endured another final loss in 2024 at Brisbane against Elena Rybakina.

Ever since the tennis circuit opted to convert ATP and WTA Masters 1000 tournaments to a two-week format similar to Grand Slam events, the tennis world appears divided. Numerous top-rated players, including Alexander Zverev, have voiced objections.

However, Sabalenka asserts that the two-week format affords her a respite from tennis, providing peace of mind. 

Well, I know that so many players are complaining about that. They would prefer one-week tournament. Me, personally, I don't know, it's tough call. I know myself. For me is better to have one day off. I'm able to forget about tennis for a day and be kind of like relaxed, not be mentally too much. For me, these two-weeks events is better because I can balance everything and I can do well in two tournaments in a row. Before, when it was a one-week event, it was just too much. Sometimes matches are really high intensity. After you finish the tournament, I was mentally, physically off. I just wasn't ready physically and mentally for the next one. I would lose it in the first round and just go and prepare for Roland Garros.
Aryna Sabalenka said in the post game presser

Her perspective finds support from Swiatek, who feels she can recover effectively despite a demanding schedule, having recently triumphed in Madrid and Rome.

Aryna Sabalenka’s chances at Roland Garros

With numerous finals in 2024, one would anticipate Aryna Sabalenka to clinch a victory, eventually. Yet, there’s also the question: How many more opportunities will she have?

Aryna Sabalenka Rome
Aryna Sabalenka (Via Imago)

As the Roland Garros storyline unfolds, Iga Swiatek emerges as the undeniable favorite. With three Masters 1000 titles this year, including consecutive victories in Madrid and Rome, her dominance is evident. Notably, she defeated Sabalenka in both tournaments, with Rome finally being particularly straightforward.

Swiatek’s inability to demonstrate dominance at the Australian Open, losing in the third round to Linda Noskova, indicates an opportunity for Sabalenka. If the World No.1 stumbles again at a Grand Slam, Sabalenka must capitalize. Otherwise, the narrative of heartbreaks will persist.

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