"I want to finally win the Porsche this year" - Aryna Sabalenka determined to prevail at Stuttgart Open after several final flops

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has been one of the most consistent players on the WTA tour over the past few years, but the big-hitting Belarusian is yet to get her hands on the Stuttgart Open title after numerous attempts.

The two-time Australian Open champion has been successful in Stuttgart, making the final on three occasions. However, she has fallen in the final each time, beaten by the now-retired Ashleigh Barty in 2021, before losing to former World No.1 Iga Swiatek in 2022 and 2023.

In addition to the prize money, the winner of the Stuttgart Open is blessed with an iconic prize, a Porsche.

"I want to finally win the Porsche this year,” said Sabalenka prior to the tournament's start. “I lost three finals here against No.1's, so I was, like: ‘Okay, I have to do it. I have to come back here as the world No.1"s."

Despite her determination to finally lift the title, Sabalenka has yet to take to the court. As the top seed, she received a bye into the second round. However, Anastasia Potapova, her second round opponent, was forced to withdraw from their match after sustaining an injury in her first round victory over Clara Tauson. Therefore, Sabalenka was handed a free berth to the quarterfinals, where she will face former doubles partner Elise Mertens.

"It’s a bit awkward,” conceded Sabalenka. “But I messaged her [Potapova] to find out if everything is okay. We have adjusted the practice schedule a little, and there’s gym time for me.”