Sabalenka: "Against me they can play freely... until the crucial moment arrives"

Aryna Sabalenka reflected after advancing to the Indian Wells round of 16 on the pressure her opponents feel when facing her. The world number one explained that many players can compete freely during part of the match, but tension arises when it gets decisive. "I don't feel they are relaxed all the time, because in the end, they want to win. They can play some amazing games, but then the level drops, and that's when my opportunity appears. When you reach the point of being able to win a set or a match, you start to overthink, and extra tension builds up," she pointed out. "Of course, they feel more liberated playing against me, but only to a certain extent. That doesn't necessarily mean they will lose, but you can also feel that pressure in them."