World number one Aryna Sabalenka says she “loves” having a target on her back as she goes into the French Open women’s singles as the player to beat.
Sabalenka has stretched her lead at the top of the rankings after a commanding start to 2025.
The 27-year-old Belarusian has won two WTA 1000 titles in Miami and Madrid, as well as reaching three other finals at the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Stuttgart.
It means the three-time major winner comes into the French Open, where she is looking to better her career-best run to the 2023 semi-finals, as many people’s favourite for the title.
Sabalenka’s hand appears to have been strengthened by three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek’s struggles on the clay this season.
“Knowing there is someone chasing me or having a target on my back right now, I love it. I take it as a challenge,” Sabalenka said.
