The early part of the WTA season, featuring the first Grand Slam and four WTA 1000 tournaments, has highlighted the tour`s significant depth, with four distinct champions emerging from these top-tier events. Remarkably, the sole repeat winner among them was 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva.
Madison Keys commented on this depth, observing that on both tours, you could reasonably expect up to 20 different players to potentially win any given tournament. She believes this is partly due to the departure of icons such as Serena Williams (and Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic on the men`s side), but more significantly, the general increase in the baseline level of play. This reduced margin for error means matches are much tighter when both competitors are playing well.
Recent results highlight this trend of diverse winners. Jessica Pegula triumphed on the green clay courts of Charleston, while Jelena Ostapenko claimed the Stuttgart title after defeating the top two seeds. Naomi Osaka secured her first-ever clay court title at the WTA 25 event in Saint Malo, France. In contrast, Iga Swiatek is still searching for her first title since winning Roland Garros almost a year ago.
Keys further elaborated on the theme of improvement, stating that the overall level of players has risen significantly. The game has become considerably more physical, and she believes players are making smart investments in their careers by focusing on fitness and physiotherapy. This dedication helps athletes become quicker and stronger while also maintaining health for extended periods.
Media Day Highlights
Sabalenka Celebrates 27
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka celebrated her 27th birthday on Cinco de Mayo. While the morning involved practice, her team ensured the latter half of the day was for celebrating her recent Madrid victory and her birthday. Sabalenka called it a “beautiful day,” noting it was preferable to a late match that would leave no time for celebration. She mentioned being overwhelmed with balloons and flowers from sponsors and friends, and received a luxurious watch as a gift from her boyfriend.
Andreeva Guided by Rome Legend
Mirra Andreeva, one of the young talents highlighted for repeat wins this season, is looking to improve her record in Rome, having lost on her debut last year. A significant advantage is her coach, Conchita Martinez, a true legend of the Rome tournament, having won it an unprecedented four consecutive times. Andreeva, who recently turned 18, was fascinated to learn about Martinez`s success here and hopes to receive her specific insights for performing well on these courts. While they bond over games like Uno and conversations, Andreeva chooses to keep the detailed advice on handling nerves and pressure confidential.
A Younger Dynamic for Gauff
Coco Gauff commented on the evolving landscape of the tour, observing the arrival of more contemporaries like Mirra Andreeva, 19-year-old Alexandra Eala, and 21-year-old Diana Shnaider (born shortly after Gauff in 2004). Gauff, who joined the professional circuit at age 15, initially found it difficult to connect with players significantly older than her. She expressed appreciation for having more peers now, which makes being on site feel different and provides opportunities for relatable conversations, distinct from the life stages of older players who might be getting married or planning futures.
Keys on the Clay Challenge
Madison Keys discussed the complexities of adapting her power-focused game to clay courts. She explained that finding the right approach on the slower, “sticky” surface took several years. Keys noted trying both being too passive and too aggressive in different seasons before settling on a “happy medium” in recent years, making only minor adjustments to her natural style. She concluded that, like other surfaces, comfort on clay increases with the number of matches played.
Sabalenka Focused on the Present
Aryna Sabalenka commented on her substantial lead in the PIF WTA Rankings, mentioning she rarely thinks about it unless prompted by the media. She stated her preference is to focus on the present – taking things “one step at a time” and concentrating on each individual tournament and match – rather than dwelling on past results or points. She acknowledged that the season so far has been “super nice” to her.
