Sabalenka ignoring pressure with top ranking on line

Aryna Sabalenka’s world number one status is potentially on the line at the French Open – but the four-time Grand Slam singles champion says she is ignoring the pressure that comes with the top ranking.

The 28-year-old has been world number one for the past 84 weeks, having replaced Iga Swiatek in October 2024.

The Belarusian holds a 1,255-point lead over second-placed Elena Rybakina, who beat her in January’s Australian Open final.

Rybakina must reach the semi-finals to have a chance of becoming the 30th woman in WTA history to achieve the coveted number one spot.

Sabalenka, who lost to Coco Gauff in last year’s Roland Garros final, began her Paris campaign with a 6-4 6-2 win over Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

“I think we all feel pressure – that is just part of our lives, so I have learned to ignore it,” Sabalenka told the crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier.

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Victory over Spain’s 50th-ranked Bouzas Maneiro, in which she fired in 29 winners but saw her streaks of dominance punctuated by 25 unforced errors, was the 25th straight-set win Sabalenka has recorded in 28 matches this season.

Sabalenka would push the world number one spot further out of Rybakina’s reach if she reaches the fourth round.

Rybakina would need to reach the final should Sabalenka make it that far – and win the title if Sabalenka reaches the semi-finals.

In attempt to add another dimension to her game, big-hitting Sabalenka has made a concerted effort to become more comfortable away from the baseline.

“That’s the most enjoyable part of the game right now, that I’m able to come to the net and play points there,” said Sabalenka, who faces French player Elsa Jacquemot next.

“I’m so glad I have improved that part of the game and I can bring it on court.”

Later on Tuesday, fourth seed Gauff began her title defence with a 6-4 6-0 win over US compatriot Taylor Townsend.

Two-time major singles winner Gauff, who came back from a set down to deny Sabalenka in last year’s showpiece, overpowered her long-time friend after trailing 3-1 in the first set.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka played in a golden sequin dress as she won her opening match 6-3 7-6 (7-3) against Laura Siegemund.

They join title contenders Rybakina and four-time winner Swiatek in the second round after both recorded straight-set wins on Monday.