Sabalenka explains what she learned from Nadal and asks to change a rule at Wimbledon

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Aryna Sabalenka is already in the third round of Wimbledon 2026. The world number one overcame a demanding match against McCartney Kessler (6-1, 7-6), resolving a second set much more complicated than the initial score reflected and once again demonstrating her enormous strength in moments of maximum pressure.

After the match, the Belarusian talked about the keys that allow her to perform so effectively in tie-breaks, confessed that a phrase from Rafael Nadal's documentary has become a mantra during matches, explained why she avoids sliding on the grass, and made a very particular request to Wimbledon: to allow players to access the club accompanied by their dogs. This is Aryna Sabalenka in its purest form.

Aryna Sabalenka explains the secret of her tie-breaks, Nadal's advice, and her request to Wimbledon

Sabalenka analyzes a victory that boosts her confidence at Wimbledon

The world number one expressed satisfaction in resolving a match that became notably complicated in the second set, avoiding a third set that would have demanded greater effort. "I am very happy with this victory. It was a really tough battle, and I am very pleased to have been able to close it in two sets.

I wasn't thinking about my previous three-set matches. I don't try to dwell on the past or the future; I always try to stay in the present. The important thing is that today I could close the match in two sets." The Belarusian also positively assessed overcoming a demanding test in the early rounds of the tournament.

"It's always better to win quickly. I have never heard anyone complain about winning 6-0, 6-0. But I also believe that these difficult matches at the beginning of the tournament help a lot. Today, I showed that I am prepared to fight when the game demands it. She played incredible tennis, forced me to raise my level, and I am very happy to have passed that test."

The key to her spectacular performance in Grand Slam tie-breaks

Sabalenka once again displayed immense authority in a tie-break, a situation in which she has shown extraordinary records during the recent Grand Slams. Although she may appear unflappable from the outside, she admitted that the reality is quite different. "I am glad that it seems from the outside that I am very calm because inside I am thinking, 'Please, win this point'.

I believe the key is to focus solely on each point, not dwell too much on what just happened or what may happen next. I trust my shots and play freely. Also, I feel that the way you start a tie-break usually sets the tone for how it unfolds. Every point matters a lot, especially the first ones, and staying aggressive is helping me achieve these statistics".

Rafael Nadal's documentary left her with a phrase she now uses in matches

Asked about any movie or documentary that had recently inspired her, Sabalenka surprised by revealing that one of the messages that has impacted her lately comes from Rafael Nadal's documentary. Before responding, she jokingly explained that she needed more time to think about these types of questions but eventually had a very clear answer.

"I watched Nadal's documentary, and he said a phrase that really stuck with me: 'The only thing you can control is your concentration and your motivation.' Now, many times when things get tough during a match, I repeat that phrase to myself. It helps me a lot because it is really very powerful".

Sabalenka avoids sliding on the grass

While several players have experienced slips in the early days of the tournament, the Belarusian confessed that her priority is always to minimize any risk on this surface. "I don't try to slide. In fact, when it happens unintentionally, I am even surprised. I prefer to move my feet as quickly as possible to avoid it. A wrong move can twist your ankle.

After seeing Jannik Sinner's fall in the first round, with that strong blow to the hip, I still remember it. Sometimes I feel like I move like a little kitten to reach the ball. If I ever fall, the important thing is to recover quickly, but I try to avoid those situations whenever I can".

The world number one believes some players exaggerate their confidence before competing

Sabalenka was also asked about previous statements from Teodora Kostovic, the young Serbian player who had spoken very confidently before facing her. The Belarusian interpreted those words as an attempt to convince herself more than to send a message to her opponent.

"I think she was trying to deceive herself a little to reinforce a confidence she didn't really have. Sometimes 'fake it till you make it' works; it depends a lot on each person's personality. But if you really don't believe in it, it's useless. When I arrived at the match, I was wondering what power she was talking about. For me, the most important thing is to be true to yourself, truly believe in who you are, and work with the tools you have".

Sabalenka asks Wimbledon to allow dogs to enter

One of the most relaxed moments of the press conference came when she was asked about Wimbledon's rule that prevents players from entering the venue with their pets. "I don't agree with that rule.

I understand wanting to protect such a historic place and being afraid that a dog could cause any damage, but all our dogs are very well-behaved. They won't do anything. It hurts me to leave mine at home because he is very attached to me. He is a little teddy bear who just wants cuddles and affection. Taking him for a walk or going to the park is also a kind of meditation for me. Wimbledon, please, I ask you: let the dogs in".

The advice she would give to any girl dreaming of becoming a professional

The last question came from the daughter of a journalist present in the room, an 11-year-old tennis player who wanted to know when Sabalenka realized she could become a professional player.

"I think the most important thing is to enjoy the process. If you truly love this sport, you have to keep playing and always give your best in every training session. When I was little, I competed a lot even in practice. I always wanted to be the best, and I think that helped me a lot in developing that competitive spirit.

I started to believe that I could go far when I was 16 or 17 and began playing professional tournaments. Little by little, I began thinking, 'Maybe I can win this tournament, maybe I can go far in important competitions.' If you truly love what you do and enjoy the journey, opportunities will eventually come".

With two wins in two matches, Aryna Sabalenka continues to advance steadily in Wimbledon. Beyond the results, the Belarusian shared several reflections that help understand her current moment: she approaches each match from the present, found a mental resource in a phrase from Rafael Nadal for difficult moments, and remains convinced that, even for the world number one, enjoying the process continues to be the key to success.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka explica qué aprendió de Nadal y pide cambiar una norma en Wimbledon