It has been over ten months since Aryna Sabalenka last competed on clay, a quarterfinal match at Roland Garros where she was defeated by Mirra Andreeva.
Following 13 hard-court tournaments and one grass tournament in Berlin, the world`s top-ranked player is eager to begin her clay season at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Europe.
“I am happy to be back in Stuttgart,” Sabalenka told reporters on Tuesday. “I feel ready and excited to play on clay courts.”
Sabalenka`s anticipation was met with a slight delay. As the top seed, she received a bye into the second round and was scheduled to face Anastasia Potapova, who won a lengthy match against Clara Tauson.
However, Potapova unfortunately had to withdraw from the tournament due to an injury sustained in her previous match.
Sabalenka mentioned reaching out to Potapova to check on her condition and then humorously noted the delay in her own match schedule, with her next match now set for Saturday.
Due to the Good Friday holiday, the quarterfinals are moved to Saturday. Sabalenka is now set to play Elise Mertens, her former doubles partner. A potential semifinal against Coco Gauff or Jasmine Paolini is also anticipated.
“It is a bit unusual,” Sabalenka admitted regarding the delayed start. “But we have adjusted the practice schedule, and I will be spending more time in the gym.”
Despite the unexpected wait, Sabalenka has reached the quarterfinals in Stuttgart for the fifth time in her career.
Her aim is to finally win the title, having reached the final three times previously. In 2021, she lost to Ashleigh Barty, and in the following two years, Iga Swiatek claimed the championship.
“I have lost three finals here to World No. 1s,” Sabalenka recalled. “Perhaps coming back as World No. 1 is the key to winning.
“It motivates me. If I reach the final again, I will be extremely determined and focused.”
Sabalenka has had a strong season with 23 wins in 27 matches, including titles at the Miami Open and Brisbane. She acknowledges the defeats in the Australian Open and Indian Wells finals but is overall satisfied with her performance.
When asked about her best season start, Sabalenka pointed to 2023 and 2024 when she won the Australian Open.
Sabalenka`s social media presence has also grown significantly, with millions of followers and views. She mentioned having a team to assist with content creation, allowing her to focus on tennis.
Now, Sabalenka and her team have some extra time to prepare for her quarterfinal match in Stuttgart.
Jasper Hawthorne 
Dominic Ashworth