Aryna Sabalenka, the current world number one, is focused on winning her first French Open this year. The 26-year-old from Belarus is yet to extend past the semifinal stage at Roland Garros. She says that never before has she felt so physically and psychologically prepared to face the formidable challenges that come with clay. She would go on to suffer a quarter-final exit due to an illness. This time, her focus is, understandably, more laser sharp as she attempts to avoid any distractions that might threaten her title hopes.
Sabalenka had just endured the extreme pressures of being the top seed in a Grand Slam. After her breakthrough deep run to the Australian Open final back in January, she told press she learned a lot from those runs. She knows that success comes with the hard work of preparation and she feels that her three year journey on the clay is starting to pay off.
For sure, I’m not going to repeat the same dinner in the same restaurant before that match,’ laughed Sabalenka, looking back at what had been an awful performance. “The lesson is learned. We handled the situation with my food, and we’ll improve so something like this doesn’t happen again.”
Embracing the Pressure
Pressure doesn’t seem to bother Sabalenka, who has said she enjoys being the player to beat. Far from dissuading Miles, the increased expectations that come with her title only sharpen her competitive edge.
To be honest I like it so much that I know there’s somebody coming to get me,” she continued, revealing her competitive nature. This perspective allows her to avoid distractions and focus on improving her game. Don’t’ll never catch her worrying what possible foes in her path, such as daunting Iga Swiatek, might do.
“I don’t have expectations for anyone else. Grand Slams are tricky. Everyone feels pressure. There are always upsets. I’d like to live in my own bubble and not play this game,” said Sabalenka. It’s a strategy that has been very successful for her in other tournaments. It’s a central element of her plan as she prepares for the French Open.
A Journey of Mastery
Sabalenka’s rocky love affair with clay has been a story as old as time. It would take her years to master – a surface often considered the most challenging in all of professional tennis. She feels that everything she’s done over the past few years has led her to this moment and equipped her for it.
I think I’m supposed to feel like I’m less prepared than ever.” This newfound confidence is profoundly important to her. As she approaches another tournament where she has suffered some of the most excruciating close-calls in history.
Now with the battle lines drawn as the competition warms up at Roland Garros, Aryna Sabalenka is eager, poised and ready to leave her stamp. With her sights set firmly on the title, she embodies a blend of resilience and ambition that could ultimately lead her to success on this prestigious stage.
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