Published January 12,2024
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Aryna Sabalenka stated Friday she felt “really great” heading into the defence of her Australian Open title, with a tough grind throughout the pre-season making her “as ready as I can be”.
The 25-year-old Belarusian had a breakthrough 2023 by which she claimed a maiden Grand Slam title in Melbourne, beating Elena Rybakina within the remaining.
She additionally completed runner-up on the US Open and made the semi-finals of Wimbledon and Roland Garros on her option to changing into world primary.
She was the primary girl since Serena Williams in 2016 to succeed in a minimum of the semi-finals of all 4 Grand Slams in a calendar 12 months.
Currently ranked quantity two behind Poland’s Iga Swiatek, Sabalenka stated she was in fine condition mentally and bodily.
“I had an incredible season last year, improved a lot as a player and as a person. I did really a great pre-season. We worked a lot. I felt like we improved a lot,” she stated.
“I feel really great and feel like I’m ready to go.”
The bubbly Sabalenka started her season on the Brisbane International, in ominous contact till Rybakina outplayed her within the remaining.
But she was undeterred by the loss.
“Elena just played incredible tennis. She just crushed it,” she stated.
“Before the ultimate, I feel I performed actually nice tennis. Everything labored on the pre-season…. that is what we’re pleased with.
“After the finals, was another week to work on those mistakes and prepare myself as good as I can for Melbourne.”
Bidding to develop into the primary girl to win consecutive Australian Opens since countrywoman Victoria Azarenka in 2012 and 2013, Sabalenka credited laborious work for her success.
“I find working hard is actually a lot of fun. I enjoy it,” she stated.
“For me, that’s not really tough to keep working hard, keep improving myself. I’ve been doing it my whole life.”
Source: www.anews.com.tr
