Aryna Sabalenka mixing things up in pursuit of first French Open title

PARIS – Aryna Sabalenka’s game has always been synonymous with crushing power and unwavering grit but as the world No. 1 strives to find success on different surfaces, she is adding variety to her game in her quest for a maiden French Open title.

The disappointment of missing out on a “three-peat” at the Australian Open and early exits in the Middle East fuelled Sabalenka’s run to four straight finals as she won titles in Miami and Madrid to consolidate top spot in the rankings.

With the Brisbane title also in the bag in January, no other player has lifted more trophies in 2025 while the Belarusian leads the tour with 34 wins.

But to become the queen of all surfaces, players must adapt their game. And on clay, they must be ready to not only work harder for every point but also learn to trust their instincts on the slowest surface of all.

An illness sent Sabalenka crashing out in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros last season but if she is to pose with the Suzanne Lenglen Cup in front of the Eiffel Tower in June, her renowned power alone may not cut it.

Versatility is essential and it has come to the fore for Sabalenka in recent tournaments, where she has used not just her brutal strength to put opponents on the back foot but also applied a touch of finesse to leave them wrong-footed.

Crafty drop shots, quick movements and more approaches to the net have broadened her game to leave her opponents second-guessing and the fans spellbound as she racked up wins and titles.

Despite an upset by Zheng Qinwen in Rome, Sabalenka holds a 12-2 record on clay this season after winning a third title in Madrid.

“I’ve been working really hard and improving on