Aryna Sabalenka issues chilling six-word message to French Open rivals
Aryna Sabalenka is hoping to avoid a repeat of her quarter-final defeat at the French Open last year after a dodgy meal left her doubled over with stomach trouble.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has issued a chilling warning to her French Open rivals, stating, "I'm motivated more than I was last year".
She's aiming for her first Roland Garros title after victories in Melbourne and New York last year. However, one Parisian restaurant will be missing a customer this year after a bad meal dashed Sabalenka's hopes last year. And she recently informed fans of just how much she likes to indulge in her guilty pleasure.
The world's top-ranked player suffered from stomach issues during her quarterfinal defeat to teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva and canceled her press conference. The Belarusian star has pledged to be more cautious with her food choices in the city renowned for its fine dining as she seeks to add a maiden Roland Garros title to her US and Australian Open victories.
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"I'm definitely not going to go for the same meal I had before that quarter-final match. The lesson is learned," she declared. "Since then we did a couple of adjustments on my food, and yeah, just make sure that it's never going to happen again.
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"Of course I'm super-motivated, because I felt like last year I was really ready to be in the last stages of the tournament, but yeah, my body didn't really feel the same. I'm motivated more than I was last year."
Sabalenka begins her tournament against Russian Kamilla Rakhimova on Sunday. Meanwhile, former world No. 1 and four-time champion Iga Swiatek hasn't won a title or even reached a final since her victory at last year's Roland Garros.
The 23 year old Polish player has dropped to number five in the world rankings, but she's hoping a return to Paris will reignite her game.
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"I love playing tennis here," remarked the top-ranked player. "I feel like, just good here, you know. And off the court, it really feels like home. I have my places and my routines. I just like coming back here.
"On the practice court I have been playing great. My tennis is good, so I just need to do that in the match."
As she vies for yet another title, Swiatek's first challenge will be against Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova, setting up a potential second-round clash with Britain's Emma Raducanu. French favorite Caroline Garcia has announced her retirement, making this year's grand slam on home turf her final appearance.
