Overview
- Aryna Sabalenka heads to Paris off early exits in Madrid and Rome, with reports from Rome noting a nagging lower‑back issue.
- Former pros Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson told podcast audiences she remains the player to beat at Roland Garros.
- Steve Johnson said the slump does not change his view that she reaches the second week, pointing to a short window to reset before Paris.
- Andy Roddick argued her dip could lift belief across the field, from Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula to Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina, even as he still calls her the clear favorite.
- The stakes follow her rare Sunshine Double in March and a 2025 French Open final, with player anger over this year’s prize money adding tension to the build‑up.