World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka believes the key to dealing with pressure at the top is having the right support system as she seeks a third title at the Madrid Open.
The top seed overcame an early scare after dropping the opening set before defeating Belgium’s Elise Mertens 3-6, 6-2, 6-1, in the third round on Sunday. It is the 10th time she has beaten Mertens on the Tour in 12 meetings. Sabalenka has won 61 matches on clay since the start of the 2020 season, which is the second-highest among female players after Iga Swiatek (84).
“She played incredible tennis and also the conditions were kind of tough,” Sabaleka told The Tennis Channel.
“I didn’t adjust well to the conditions. In the second set, all my focus was on trying to find the rhythm of my serve and my groundstrokes.
“Then I think because I was able to switch focus to the game, I was able to kind of like find my game and bring it to another level.”
Madrid is the second tournament in a row where Sabalenka has played Mertens and won. The duo are familiar with each other’s game styles after winning five WTA doubles titles together between 2019 and 2021. The only other person Sabalenka has won a doubles title with is Victoria Azarenka.
“I know how smart she is,” Sabalenka said of the world No.26.
“So it’s always challenging. I’m not focusing on the previous meetings with her. I’m just trying to stay focused on each match.”
Sabalenka currently leads the WTA rankings by more than 3000 points. She has already played in five WTA finals this season, winning titles in Brisbane and Miami. The Belarussian has won 27 matches so far in 2025 (as of April 27th). The joint-highest along with Jessica Pegula.
However, it isn’t always easy at the top when it comes to living up to expectations and dealing with a high media interest. Some players in the past have spoken openly about these issues. So how does Sabalenka cope?
“If you have a healthy environment around you and you are having fun. You’re with your team and you trust the people around you. I think it’s easy.” She explained.
“It’s very important to be focused when you practice. When you play the match, obviously you focus.
“But the moment you step out of the court, you just have to find something which brings you joy and you have fun. I think it’s very important.”
Sabalenka will play America’s Peyton Steams in the fourth round on Monday in Madrid.
