Aryna Sabalenka has continued her strong start at Wimbledon this year after beating Marie Bouzkova.
Sabalenka is one of the big favourites at Wimbledon this year as the top seed and a three-time Grand Slam champion.
However, being a seeded player has proved challenging at this year’s tournament, with Sabalenka admitting she has found upsets to top players sad.
Although many top seeds have fallen out of the draw, both Sabalenka and her rival Iga Swiatek still remain at Wimbledon.
Aryna Sabalenka disagrees with Iga Swiatek’s comments about playing on grass
While Swiatek is a five-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one, she has previously struggled at Wimbledon and has never surpassed the quarter-finals.
The Pole recently claimed that she believes grass levels the playing field on the WTA Tour, with these remarks being brought to Sabalenka in her post-match press conference after her second round win.
Sabalenka responded by actually suggesting that she believes grass does benefit some players more than others, particularly highlighting those that are better on clay struggling on grass.
“I don’t know, it depends honestly,” said Sabalenka. “I think grass is for definitely for someone who is able to play a bit maybe flat balls and who has a good touch, good slice, so I think it definitely benefits their games and whoever is better on clay especially I think it is quite tricky to deal with grass.
“So, I wouldn’t say the level for everyone gets the same on grass. I think it’s about like learning how to play on the surface and I think it benefits some of the players more who are hitting flat and have a slice, once again, so I’m not sure about that.”
Sabalenka does not appear to struggle on any surface and has reached at least the semi-final of all four major tournaments.
Aryna Sabalenka says what she thinks Iga Swiatek’s chances are at Wimbledon this year
While grass is generally Swiatek’s weakest surface, she has shown some promising signs on it in 2025.
This was highlighted by her only warm-up event on grass coming into Wimbledon, with Swiatek reaching the Bad Homburg final.
Sabalenka appears to have noticed this improvement in Swiatek’s game on grass, and claimed that everyone has a good chance at Wimbledon this year.
“I saw her game and she’s playing great,” said Sabalenka. “It seems like she’s improved her game on the grass since last year, so I think honestly everyone has a good chance here.”
Sabalenka and Swiatek are in different halves of the Wimbledon draw, so both players would have to reach the final for the first time in their respective careers if they are to go head-to-head once again.
Swiatek will look to join Sabalenka in the third round when she takes on Caty McNally on Thursday, July 3.
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