Aryna Sabalenka Reveals Her Change of Personality on the Court After Her Third-Round Win at Garros

Aryna Sabalenka beat Olga Danilovic in straight sets to set up a big clash against American Amanda Anisimova in the fourth round of the Roland Garros.

Aryna Sabalenka Reveals Her Change of Personality on the Court After Her Third-Round Win at Garros

Aryna Sabalenka (image via Instagram/WTA)

Aryna Sabalenka earned her place in the fourth round of the French Open after a win over Serbia’s Olga Danilovic. The Belarusian star became the only player to reach the round of 16 of the Australian and French Open over the past three years. After her victory, she opened up about her change of personality on and off the court.

Sabalenka began the match better than her second-round tie against Jil Teichmann. The World No.1’s movement was great and her serve made the difference against Danilovic. She broke the Serbian five times, while also hitting 17 winners.

However, Sabalenka’s performance was countered by 15 unforced errors, while her opponent had a fatal 26. The match was largely dominated by the US Open champion, who claimed a 6-2, 6-3 win in the end. She has dropped just 10 games at the tournament and 32 of her last 37 match victories have all come in straight sets.

During her on-court interview, she was asked about how she manages to focus on the court despite being known for her happiness and kindness off the court. The World No. 1 revealed that she’s a completely different person when she enters the court than when she’s off the court with her team.

When I’m on the court, I am a completely different person. I am very aggressive. Very focused. It’s not about jokes. It’s about dreams. I give everything on the court. Off the court, it’s very important to surround yourself with the right people and have fun with the team. I am very grateful to each of them. We are like a family.

Sabalenka has been the best women’s player this season. She continued from where she stopped last year after winning the US Open. This year, she claimed the Brisbane International and Miami Open titles, before producing a stellar performance to beat Coco Gauff to win the WTA 1000 title in Madrid.

She has also reached six finals this season, the most entering the Roland Garros since Serena Williams in 2013. She will remain at the top of the WTA rankings for the 33rd consecutive week after the tournament, even though she doesn’t win it. Notwithstanding, she hopes to win the French Open for the first time in her career.

Aryna Sabalenka to face Amanda Anisimova in the fourth round of the Roland Garros

Aryna Sabalenka will face her first major test at the French Open. The Belarusian will play American Amanda Anisimova in the fourth round. The World No.16 and former French Open semi-finalist claimed a 7-6(4), 6-4 win over Clara Tauson on Friday (May 30). She leads Sabalenka 5-2 in their head-to-head record.

Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova
Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova (via X/The Tennis Letter/Tennis Channel)

In fact, Anisimova leads Sabalenka 3-1 on clay and 1-0 at the French Open. She’s also yet to drop a set at the tournament and has been in great form. The American star claimed her first WTA 1000 title in Doha. The World No.16 revealed ahead of their clash that it would be a very special clash between her and the World No.1.

I am very satisfied with my progress, the technical adjustments I have made are paying off, and I feel like I am enjoying tennis and life again. Victories do not come when you are not happy. Facing the world number 1 is always very special; we are both big hitters, and I know it will be fun.

Sabalenka is the favorite to win the tie because of her form this season. She has been to the semi-finals of every tournament this year apart from the Qatar Open and Dubai Championships. However, against Anisimova, she will have to be at her best to stop the American and reach the quarter-finals of the Roland Garros.

Also Read: Renowned American Journalist Makes Elena Rybakina Awkward by Unnecessarily Pressing Her with Stefano Vukov Questions