‘Maybe nice guys finish last’ – Gauff’s analogy about her relationship with clay

Video credit: SNTV

Madrid stars Jude Bellingham and Thibaut Courtois joined 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal and current world No. 1 Jannik Sinner on the temporary court for some light practice.

The Spanish club’s president, Florentino Perez, also acted as an umpire, as Madrid strive to turn their newly renovated stadium into a multi-purpose arena.

But the WTA’s top-ranked player, Sabalenka, was not too impressed, suggesting that it interrupted players’ preparations and that the surface – used for practice sessions – was different to the one being used at Caja Magica.

”I was a little confused,” Sabalenka admitted. “I’d like them to do it before the tournament, but now I feel like the surface will be a bit different from the Caja Magica.

“Also, it’s a huge stadium, so everything is covered. I’d like to focus on the tennis and not on those things.

“Besides, I’d prefer they do it before or after the tournament, if they’re going to keep the sport there. It’s a unique experience.”

Sabalenka came through her first round test against Peyton Stearns, who she beat 7-5 6-3 to set up a second round tie against Jaqueline Cristian.

Although the Belarusian won her opening clash in straight sets, she did not feel that she was at the top of her game.

”I’m glad to get the win,” she said. “Maybe it wasn’t pretty, but at the end of the match I felt a lot better on the court, so hopefully in the next match I will bring better tennis.

“It wasn’t easy. I did my hard work before I came here, but the attitude, the sport and the duel weren’t easy. But like I said, I’m glad I got the win.”

Having lost the Australian Open earlier this year, Sabalenka is looking to continue her fine form heading into Roland-Garros.

The four-time Grand Slam winner clinched two consecutive titles ahead of the clay swing – the Indian Wells Masters and the Miami Open – where she beat Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff in the finals, respectively.

Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open and US Open winner, will be looking to win her first French Open crown.

The 27-year-old was undone by Gauff in the final last year, losing in three sets.

TNT Sports is the exclusive French Open broadcaster in the UK and Ireland. Coverage of every court will be available to watch live on HBO Max.