Aryna Sabalenka just keeps on winning, with the Italian Open the site of her latest triumph.
She started her Roman campaign off in perfect fashion, dispatching what could have been a tricky first-round opponent in Barbora Krejčíková in two swift sets.
Having suffered a surprise exit in last year’s iteration of this event and having also never won this tournament, the world number one will be supremely keen to exorcise those demons this year ahead of Roland Garros.
Aryna Sabalenka needs no greater incentive to keep on winning, but the fact that she is closing in on personal records held by Iga Swiatek and Maria Sharapova could certainly help provide her with an extra edge.
Aryna Sabalenka is closing in on Maria Sharapova and Iga Swiatek’s records
This latest record, which has actually seen her surpass Ash Barty in a key area, was relayed by OptaAce.
On their X account, they detail which players boast the best win rate at WTA 1000 events since the format’s introduction in 2009.
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Naturally, Serena Williams sits atop this esteemed list, having won 84.1% of her matches.
However, the four chasing such greatness are all at a very similar win rate, with Sabalenka having moved up to 74.8% with her latest win over Krejčíková, and thus surpassing Barty’s 74.7%
Just ahead of them is Maria Sharapova with a 76.8% win rate, and Iga Swiatek, who has an impressive 79.4% win rate.
It seems that, despite Sabalenka’s recent claims about players boycotting the Grand Slams, she remains laser-focused on remaining as competitive as ever on the court.
Aryna Sabalenka and Barbora Krejčíková debate line call mid-match
Despite the friendly nature of this clash, which concluded with a hug at the net, there was a moment of contention midway through the contest.
And yet, even that was met with amiability, as Sabalenka and Krejčíková debated a line call.
Following the conclusion of the seventh game in the first set, both players converged on the Belarusian’s side of the net.
There, Sabalenka sought to show her opponent a mark that she felt was clearly out.
“Come here,” she beckoned. “If you look from here, it’s like a little tiny tiny space.”
Krejčíková was not having it though, as she argued: “But there is no space here! Like you see, it’s touching. I know, but it’s okay.”
The umpire called on them to cease their changeover debate, despite the fact that there was seemingly no malice in their exchange.