Aryna Sabalenka Shuts Down ‘Hypocritical’ Questions Over Prize Money at Roland Garros

Aryna Sabalenka opened her Roland Garros campaign with a convincing 6‑4, 6‑2 victory over Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, advancing to the second round in just 75 minutes.

The world No. 1 looked sharp despite the sweltering Paris heat, rushing the net and dictating play with her aggressive baseline game.

The win extended her streak of 22 consecutive first‑round victories at Grand Slams, a run dating back to the 2020 Australian Open. Sabalenka not only delivered on court but also addressed criticism off it.

She rejected claims that her push for fairer prize‑money distribution was hypocritical, insisting her fight is for lower‑ranked players struggling financially, not for herself. Sabalenka said in her press conference:

I don’t really see how it can be possible to cross these two completely different worlds…It’s just fighting for players, lower ranked players who are really struggling to survive in this tennis world. It has nothing to do with me that I’m fighting for the prize money. Everyone knows that I’m okay. It’s just that we are fighting for a fair amount fair percentage out of the revenues and also for the lower ranked, players coming back after injuries, the next generation to be more comfortable coming into the top 10.

Sabalenka has been one of the leading voices in the prize‑money debate, alongside Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina. Critics suggested her stance was self‑serving, but she pushed back strongly. The World No.1 is the favorite to win her first Roland Garros crown. Last year, she lost to Gauff in the final.

Heatwave advantage for Aryna Sabalenka

Paris has been hit by a heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 32°C (90°F). Aryna Sabalenka said the conditions suited her aggressive style.

She used the faster, drier courts to her advantage, finishing points quickly and avoiding long rallies. Her net play was particularly effective, a sign of her evolving game on clay.

Sabalenka raced to a 4‑0 lead in the first set before Bouzas Maneiro fought back. She closed out the set 6‑4, then dominated the second with powerful returns and quick transitions.

The match lasted just 75 minutes, showcasing her efficiency under pressure. Despite a brief stumble while serving for the match, she recovered quickly to seal victory.

What’s next for Aryna Sabalenka

Sabalenka will face the winner of Linda Fruhvirtová vs. Elsa Jacquemot in the second round. With tougher opponents looming, including potential clashes with Osaka, Navarro, and Coco Gauff, her journey in Paris is far from straightforward.

Still, her opening performance and strong response to off‑court criticism suggest she is ready to mount another deep run at Roland Garros.

Fans and analysts praised Sabalenka’s composure both on and off the court. Her ability to handle criticism while delivering a dominant performance reinforces her reputation as one of the sport’s fiercest competitors.

With Osaka and Navarro also in her section of the draw, the path ahead is challenging, but Sabalenka’s confident start has set the tone.

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