If she hates me, OK – Aryna Sabalenka on first-round clash with Marta Kostyuk

Winning a second successive major crown would guarantee Sabalenka the number one spot

Aryna Sabalenka is bidding to win her second grand slam title (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)

Aryna Sabalenka could end the French Open as world number one but accepts she will begin it against a player who “hates” her.

The Belarusian won her first grand slam title at the Australian Open and has maintained the momentum, winning the Madrid Open earlier this month and closing the gap on Iga Swiatek at the top of the rankings.