By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday, January 10, 2025
As the unrivaled queen of hard court tennis and a back-to-back Australian Open titleholder, Aryna Sabalenka‘s performance is under intense scrutiny this year in Melbourne.
However, the three-time Grand Slam victor prefers to sidestep any pressure. Her focus is solely on one match at a time, determined to maintain her competitive spirit.
“I’m not aiming to overanalyze everything,” the top seed expressed during Friday’s media day at the Australian Open. “My goal is to focus on my task. By the end of this tournament, I hope to feel a sense of pride in my performance and etch my name into history.”
Ranked No.1, Sabalenka is set to take on American player Sloane Stephens in the first round. Embracing the challenge, she acknowledges that being the target of the tour’s best only adds fuel to her fire.
“I’ve always been someone who welcomes daunting challenges,” she confessed. “I thrive on the pressure of being pursued, as it energizes me and keeps my motivation high. Knowing I’m a target drives me to train harder so that no one can reach my level.”
No matter what unfolds in Australia, Sabalenka is fortified by her wealth of experience. With 14 consecutive victories in Melbourne and at hard court Grand Slams, she knows how to navigate the trials of a two-week tournament. Plus, she excels at compartmentalizing her time off the court to stay relaxed and focused.
“My mindset has evolved significantly,” she remarked, reflecting on her journey since winning her first major title in Australia two years ago. “My approach to Grand Slam events has changed, and my priorities have shifted. I now realize that I have the ability to handle these challenges.”
“I’ve learned to keep my on-court and off-court lives separate. In the past, taking an extra day off could be daunting, as it led to overthinking about my next match.”
