PARIS : World number one Aryna Sabalenka said she has fully recovered from the physical problems that disrupted her claycourt preparations and is ready to challenge for her first French Open title.
Sabalenka arrived at Roland Garros after a difficult clay swing in which she won only four of six matches and failed to reach a semi-final.
The Belarusian struggled with lower back and hip issues during her third-round exit at the Italian Open, but the 28-year-old said a period focused on recovery had restored her fitness.
“I struggled in the beginning of the claycourt swing physically, but right now I feel 100%,” Sabalenka told reporters on Friday.
“We did a great recovery. We focused on recovery and made sure that I’m healed everywhere and I’m ready to go.”
Despite her limited number of matches on clay this season, Sabalenka dismissed concerns about a lack of preparation.
“I think all of us are here just for one reason. It doesn’t matter if I didn’t play a lot of matches on clay,” she said.
“I know how to play on clay and it’s all about being physically and mentally healthy, to go for it and to be ready to fight.”
Sabalenka also said improved emotional control had played a major role in her rise to the top of the women’s game.
“My emotions were destroying my game and my level was dropping dramatically when I would start over-reacting on everything,” she said.
“Making sure my opponent doesn’t see what’s going on in my head, and at the same time staying in the zone, was a huge improvement over the years.”
The top seed is aiming to improve on last year’s runner-up finish, when she lost to Coco Gauff in the final after taking the opening set.
“All I can say is that I’m ready to fight,” Sabalenka added. “Of course, I hope to do a little bit better than I did last year.”
