Aryna Sabalenka says she treats every loss as an opportunity to learn as she targets a place in the final of the French Open for the first time later this year.
The world No.2 returns to action this week at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart which features eight out of the world’s top 10 players in the draw. Twelve months ago at the event, Sabalenka reached the final before losing to Iga Swiatek. The run set the stage for what was a largely successful clay campaign for the Belarussian who went on to win the Madrid Open before reaching the semi-finals of the French Open for the first time in her career.
“I think Stuttgart is a good place to start the clay season. You’re slowly getting into this kind of like clay mood,” Sabalenka told reporters on Monday.
“I like to play lots of tournaments before the Grand Slam, so I think it’s a good one to start with.”
According to Sabalenka, belief is the key to having success on the clay. She has played six out of her 26 Tour-level finals on the surface, winning two titles which were both at the Madrid Open. A somewhat unique tournament due to its high altitude which makes the ball travel faster compared to other events in Europe.
“It’s important for every player to know they’re able to play on each surface and don’t have this weird feeling going into the specific surface thinking like ‘Oh, my God, that’s not my place, I’m not going to do well here.’ It was really important for me to have this success, to have this belief.” She stated.
Heading into this year’s clay swing, the 25-year-old does have extra motivation following her Roland Garros exit in 2023. After reaching the last four of the Grand Slam, Sabalenka was edged out 7-6 (5), 6-7 (5), 7-5, by Karolina Muchova. In that match, she boasted a 5-2 lead in the final set and failed to convert a match point opportunity before losing.
Admitting that she is still ‘hurting’ following that clash, Sabalenka said it provided her with an important lesson.
“I’m still probably hurting. But it’s okay. I always say we’re not losing, we are learning.” She said of her French Open defeat.
“I think that experience was really important for me to learn a lot of stuff. Hopefully this year I can do a little bit better.
“I make it to the same stage of the tournament and I’m going to stay there. No chance I’m going to do the same.”
In Stuttgart, Sabalenka will begin her campaign against either Diana Shnaider or Paula Badosa.
