Google News Aryna Sabalenka, Caroline Garcia join Iga Swiatek in star-studded Stuttgart field
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 5935
Aryna Sabalenka and Caroline Garcia have signed up to play the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, the tournament announced.
Sabalenka, 24, is set to make her third consecutive appearance on the clay courts of Stuttgart.Two-time finalist @SabalenkaA is on the fast track. With her glorious victory in Melbourne, Aryna captured her first Grand Slam title.
Can she crown herself with the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix title this year? 🆠Read more: https://t.co/2OyHf473Lt pic.twitter.com/wMCDai7Rpt — Porsche Tennis (@PorscheTennis) February 9, 2023
In 2021, Sabalenka enjoyed a strong Stuttgart debut as she made the final before losing to Ashleigh Barty in three sets. Last year, Sabalenka had another deep Stuttgart run as she again reached the final before losing to Iga Swiatek.
‟I’m really looking forward to Stuttgart and the fantastic atmosphere in the Porsche Arena. I’ve always felt at home there. Maybe third time lucky! I’d love to win the Porsche," Sabalenka said, per the tournament's press release.
Sabalenka, Garcia to challenge Iga Swiatek in Stuttgart
In December, defending champion Swiatek confirmed her participation at this year's Stuttgart event. The Stuttgart organizers are preparing another big tournament edition as several top-10 players are expected to play.
Sabalenka is now expected to make her third Stuttgart appearance, while Garcia will be making her fifth appearance at the tournament. Garcia, who is set to play in Stuttgart for the first time since 2019, made the Stuttgart semifinal in 2018.
‟We’re looking forward to being able to present our crowd with the world stars. The fact that they’ve decided at such an early stage to play our tournament is a big compliment for us. Aryna Sabalenka played brilliantly at the Australian Open and totally deserves her first Grand Slam title.
For her, it’s the ideal motivation to fulfil the dream of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix win and the Porsche that comes with it," Stuttgart tournament director Markus Gunthardt said. The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart is set to take place between April 17-23.
Sabalenka has gotten off to a strong start to the 2023 season, winning her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. It remains to be seen if Sabalenka or Garcia can make a splash in Stuttgart this year.
