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3 Jul 2026 | 21.55
Aryna Sabalenka pulled patience to defeat one of the trickiest rivals on the circuit: Jelena Ostapenko. The Latvian, with her aggressive game, usually poses a tough challenge for her opponents, but this time the world number one managed to control her to secure the victory by 6-4, 6-4. In the Wimbledon 2026 Round of 16, she will face Naomi Osaka, whom she already met in the same stage this year at Roland Garros.
Regarding the prospect of facing the Japanese player again, she spoke in the press conference following her victory. She also wanted to highlight the significance of her team, as well as how she manages to 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 has 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 every match was very tough. In each match, there were crucial moments in each set where I feel like I could trust my game, step in, and pressure her. I feel like every time she plays against me, she is more focused. She is aware of my power and aggressiveness. I feel like she always handles it very well and manages the pressure. Yes, as I said, I am ready to go out and fight."
Sabalenka reveals the challenge of beating such a tough rival like Ostapenko
"I would say in matches like this, there are a few key moments. I feel like it's all the mental part of the game. I am very happy that I have been mentally very strong and focused today. I am glad to have closed this match in straight sets."
Sabalenka unveils how she achieves balance on and off the tennis court
"I think at the beginning of my career, this was something that I struggled with, balancing life on and off the court and being able to forget about tennis a bit on rest days. When there is a match, I am super focused. I am really concentrated. On rest days, of course, we keep training, we stay here."
"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 solutions to manage energy and balance life."
Sabalenka stresses the importance of her team at this Wimbledon
"I feel like we all work together. We don't need to have a formal preparation meeting. I know everyone is in touch. We all work together to give our best. I don't need to gather everyone and talk about everything. It has been amazing to see how everyone knows each other 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 chat a bit. It can be random. I can ask any team member whatever I want. Everyone is in touch with each other. It's great to see how everything works so well," concludes Aryna Sabalenka, who continues steadily towards her goal of winning her first Wimbledon.
Cette actualité est une traduction automatique. Vous pouvez lire la nouvelle originale Sabalenka ya apunta a Osaka: "Estoy lista para salir ahí y dar pelea y hacer lo que haga falta"
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