‘I ignore the pressure’ – Sabalenka starts Paris bid with top ranking on line

Sabalenka ignoring pressure with top ranking on lineImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Aryna Sabalenka achieved her best French Open result by reaching last year’s finalByHarry PooleBBC Sport journalistPublished25 minutes agoAryna 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 that comes with the top ranking.The 28-year-old has been world number one for the past 84 weeks, having replaced Iga Swiatek in October 2024.The Belarusian holds a 1,255-point lead over second-placed Elena Rybakina, who beat her in January’s Australian Open final.Rybakina must reach the semi-finals to have a chance of becoming the 30th woman in WTA history to achieve the coveted number one spot.Sabalenka, who lost to Coco Gauff in last year’s Roland Garros final, began her Paris campaign with a 6-4 6-2 win over Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.”I think we all feel pressure – that is just part of our lives, so I have learned to ignore it,” Sabalenka told the crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier.Norrie retires injured at Grand Slam for first time