Sabalenka: "This victory does not mean I am going to win the title"

Fernando Murciego | 5 Jul 2025 | 01.04

Aryna Sabalenka values her victory against Raducanu. Source: Getty

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After two hours of battle against Emma Raducanu, the top half of the women's singles draw at Wimbledon 2025 celebrated the presence of a top 10 player in the round of 16. And not just anyone, we're talking about the world No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka. Once again destiny challenged the Belarusian with moments of maximum tension, partly thanks to the level of the British player and the tremendous passion of the entire crowd, but there came the Belarusian to show she's ready for the challenge. Everyone keeps telling her that this title cannot escape her grasp, although she prefers to be cautious in the predictions.

A great victory

"I am happy with the victory, of course, it was a great battle. She really pushed me to the limit, you have to acknowledge that she played incredibly well, and then the crowd was like playing against an American in the United States, it was quite crazy. Honestly, I am super grateful that people were so respectful and polite during the points. Even though they were cheering all the time, I could focus on the points, it helped me stay in the match and fight for every point. I am super happy for this victory."

Hopes for Raducanu

"I cannot predict anything, but I am sure she has the tennis to return to the top 10. Maybe not in a month, but perhaps in a much longer period, but I am convinced she will get back to the top. She is fighting hard, playing much better, more consistently, and mentally back to being healthy. I think this is the most important thing, this way I am sure she will get there eventually. My ears have become deafened by so much noise, but I enjoyed it. I was trying to trick my brain, thinking that people were cheering for me. Sometimes, when they shouted 'Emma', it sounded like 'Aryna', I don't know why."

The defeat in Paris led to victory today

"On one hand, I am happy about what happened to me at Roland Garros, there I had the opportunity to sit down and look at everything from a different perspective, realize many things about myself. I feel like I am a different person, I learned the lesson. Thanks to that recent experience, I kept repeating to myself that I couldn't let it happen again. Whatever happens on the court, you just have to be respectful, stay calm, keep trying, and fighting. It really reminded me strongly that I was capable of handling all that pressure."

Handling delicate moments

"Honestly, thanks to having all this experience today because at the beginning of my career, I would have lost it, gone crazy, and would have lost the first set 7-5. Over the years and with experience, I learned that this isn't everything, that I would then have to serve to win the set and also face pressure. The balls were quite heavy, so I knew it wouldn't be easy for her to hit four aces, meaning I would have my chance. At that moment, I was just looking to focus on my tactics and the things I had to do to get back into the set, it really helped me. Experience sometimes solves many problems."

Favorite for the title?

"Experience tells me that this doesn't matter for the title, this victory doesn't mean I will win the tournament, it's just a good draw. It gives me a lot of energy and good feelings under pressure, a great battle where I managed to come out victorious. That's why I love sports, it's always about challenging yourself. When you go through tough times and achieve victory, it's the best feeling. I will enjoy it tonight, and tomorrow I will focus on what's next."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka: “Esta victoria no significa que vaya a ganar el título”