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Aryna Sabalenka’s world number one status is potentially on the line at the French Open – but the four-time Grand Slam singles champion says she is ignoring the pressure of the top ranking.
The 28-year-old has been world number one for the past 84 weeks, replacing Iga Suatec in October 2024.
The Belarusian holds a 1,255-point lead over second-placed Elena Rybakkina, who beat her in the Australian Open final in January.
Rybakina needs to reach the semifinals to have a chance to become the 30th woman in WTA history to clinch the coveted number one spot.
Sabalenka, who lost to Coco Gaff in last year’s Roland Garros final, opened her Paris campaign with a 6-4 6-2 win over Spain’s Jessica Bozas Maneiro.
“I think we all feel pressure – it’s just part of our lives, so I’ve learned to ignore it,” Sabalenka told the crowd at Court Philippe Chatrier.
