Sabalenka is already aiming at Osaka: "I'm ready to go out there and fight and do whatever it takes"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 3 Jul 2026 | 21.55

Sabalenka already aims at Osaka: "I'm ready to go out there and fight and do whatever it takes". Photo: Gettyimages

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Aryna Sabalenka showed patience to defeat one of the toughest rivals on the circuit: Jelena Ostapenko. The Latvian, with her aggressive style of play, is usually a headache for her opponents, but this time the world number one managed to control her to secure the victory with a 6-4, 6-4 scoreline. While awaiting Naomi Osaka in the Wimbledon 2026 round of 16, whom she faced earlier this year in the same round at Roland Garros.

Regarding the upcoming match against the Japanese player, she spoke in the post-match press conference, where she also emphasized the importance of her team and how she maintains a balance between tennis and her life off the court.

Aryna Sabalenka sends a message to Naomi Osaka ahead of their Wimbledon round of 16 clash

"We have played several times this year. It's always been a battle, always a tough match. She is a very aggressive player, serves very well. I have watched a couple of her matches. She is in good form. But I am ready to go out there, fight, and do whatever it takes to overcome this tough match."

"I think each match was very tough. In each match, there were key moments in each set where I felt I could rely on my game, step in, and pressure her. I feel that every time she plays against me, she is more focused. She is aware of my power and aggressiveness. I feel she handles herself very well and copes with pressure. Yes, as I said, I am ready to go out and fight."

Sabalenka revealed the challenge of defeating a tough opponent like Ostapenko

"I would say in matches like this, there are a few key moments. I feel it's all about the mental aspect of the game. I am very happy to have been mentally strong and focused today. I am glad to have closed this match in straight sets."

Sabalenka shares how she maintains balance on and off the tennis court

"I think this was something I struggled with at the beginning of my career, balancing life on and off the court, being able to forget about tennis a bit on days off. When there is a match, I am super focused. I am really concentrated. On days off, of course, we keep training, we are still here."

𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐤𝐚, idol of the girls ❣️

The tennis player once again grabbed the 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏̃𝒐 𝒅𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒂́𝒔 𝒑𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒏̃𝒂𝒔 of #Wimbledon #LaPistaDelTenis pic.twitter.com/Xwnz6Th5mg
— Movistar Plus Deportes (@MPlusDeportes) July 3, 2026

"I try to stay relaxed, trying not to think about the big tournament or the next match. I do things that bring me joy, things that don't make me think about tennis. I think it's an important part of our career, finding ways to manage energy and balance life."

Sabalenka emphasizes the importance of her team at this Wimbledon

"I feel we all work together. We don't need to have a formal preparation meeting. I know everyone is in contact. We all work together to give our best. I don't need to gather everyone and discuss everything. It has been amazing to see how everyone gets along and how we understand each other with just a word."

"Tomorrow we will have a training session. We will talk about my opponent on the court after practice, watch her, and have a chat. It can be random. I can ask any team member anything I want. Everyone is in touch with each other. It's great to see how everything works so well," stated a Aryna Sabalenka who continues firmly on her quest to lift her first Wimbledon.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka ya apunta a Osaka: "Estoy lista para salir ahí y dar pelea y hacer lo que haga falta"

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