Aryna Sabalenka Shares Interesting Reason to Play Rome Open Second-Round Encounter in Morning Instead of Evening

Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 2 and one of the most formidable names in women’s tennis, turned heads this week at the Rome Open—not just with her performance, but with an unusual scheduling preference. The Belarusian star opted to play her second-round match in the morning rather than the evening, a choice that raised eyebrows among fans and commentators alike. When asked about the decision, Sabalenka revealed a refreshingly honest and personal reason: she performs better when she’s well-rested and prefers not to wait all day with anticipation and nerves building up.

The morning slot, she explained, allows her to maintain focus and stick to a routine without the anxiety that sometimes accompanies night matches. “I sleep better after I’ve played,” she noted, adding that early matches help her recover and prepare for subsequent rounds more efficiently. In a tournament as physically and mentally demanding as the Rome Open, such small adjustments can make a big difference.

Sabalenka’s candor highlights the psychological strategies top players employ to manage the grueling WTA calendar. Her morning match request reflects a growing trend among elite athletes to tailor schedules in ways that support peak performance—not just physically but mentally and emotionally.

With her Rome campaign off to a strong start, fans will be watching closely to see if her preference for early matches continues to pay off. One thing’s clear: Sabalenka knows exactly what works best for her, and she’s not afraid to ask for it.