Aryna Sabalenka says she is ignoring the pressure surrounding her world number one ranking as she began her French Open 2026 campaign with a straight-set victory in Paris.
The Belarusian star defeated Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 6-2 on Court Philippe Chatrier to move into the second round at Roland Garros.
Sabalenka, who has held the WTA world number one ranking for the past 84 weeks after replacing Iga Swiatek in October 2024, said she has learned to block out outside pressure despite the rankings battle intensifying in Paris.
“I think we all feel pressure — that is just part of our lives, so I have learned to ignore it,” Sabalenka said after the match.
The 28-year-old currently leads second-ranked Elena Rybakina by 1,255 points in the WTA rankings.
Rybakina, who defeated Sabalenka in the Australian Open final earlier this year, still has a mathematical chance of overtaking her in Paris but would likely need a deep tournament run to challenge for the top spot.
Sabalenka’s opening-round victory marked her 25th straight-set win in 28 matches this season, underlining the consistency that has kept her at the top of women’s tennis.
The Belarusian also revealed she has been working to improve her all-around game by becoming more comfortable at the net rather than relying only on powerful baseline play.
“That’s the most enjoyable part of the game right now, that I’m able to come to the net and play points there,” she said.
Sabalenka will next face French player Elsa Jacquemot in the second round.
Elsewhere in the tournament, defending champion Coco Gauff opened her title defense with a dominant 6-4, 6-0 victory over fellow American Taylor Townsend.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka also advanced after defeating Germany’s Laura Siegemund in straight sets.
Tournament favorites including Rybakina and Swiatek have also progressed safely into the second round as the battle for the women’s title heats up in Paris.