Sabalenka: "I work so hard to make sure no one reaches me"

Mónica Barberán Munera | 10 Jan 2025 | 05.33

Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open 2025. Photo: Getty

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The queen of Melbourne arrived at her private foster home to defend a crown that has done her so much good. And Aryna Sabalenka once again faces the great challenge of defending the title at the 2025 Australian Open. The Belarusian comes with many guarantees. Being the world number 1 gives her that confidence she often demonstrates on the courts, making it so difficult to chase her. In a press conference, the reigning champion spoke about the significant changes she has experienced since winning the title here for the first time in 2023.

- Considering she hasn't lost in a Grand Slam on hard courts for a long time, does she feel invincible?

"I haven't really thought about that, but yes, it's been a while. I'm not thinking about those kinds of things; I try to focus on myself, on improving daily, and I hope I can continue doing what I do in the Slams."

- Defending the title again. What helped her last time?

"I don't know. Honestly, I think each year is a different experience, you feel different. I remember that last year I didn't think at all about being the defending champion; I just focused on taking it step by step, and I think that was basically the key. So, I hope to do the same this year, take it step by step, give my best, and hopefully lift this beautiful trophy once again."

- Does she find it difficult to stay at the top?

"I think we are all different, but in my case, it suits my character. I have always liked to compete and accept very challenging challenges. I like being the one pursued; I like that feeling. It motivates me and helps me because I know I have a goal to achieve. That's why I work so hard, to make sure no one catches up with me."

-Different experience being world number 1 this time in Australia

"I was world number 1 for a week, so it wasn't a big deal. I don't know what the difference is; it's just a ranking maybe. At some point, you stop focusing on that and start focusing on yourself. That's my approach, I suppose, it's not about the ranking. You have to stay there, keep competing, and show daily that you deserve to be where you are."

- The most important change after winning her first Slam

"The mentality has changed a lot. The focus on Slams is different, the priorities are different. So, I would say that mentally I have changed a lot. I had to understand how to separate life on and off the court. Before, an extra day of rest was too much for me because I was thinking too much about the next match. Now, I play my match, give my best, and then try to forget about tennis. The next day, I just play, and for the rest of the day, I try to have a good dinner and not dwell on anything related to tennis."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka: "Trabajo tan duro para asegurarme de que nadie me alcance”