Published January 12,2024
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Aryna Sabalenka mentioned Friday she felt “really great” heading into the defence of her Australian Open title, with a tough grind in the course of the pre-season making her “as ready as I can be”.
The 25-year-old Belarusian had a breakthrough 2023 wherein she claimed a maiden Grand Slam title in Melbourne, beating Elena Rybakina within the closing.
She additionally completed runner-up on the US Open and made the semi-finals of Wimbledon and Roland Garros on her option to turning into world primary.
She was the primary girl since Serena Williams in 2016 to achieve no less than the semi-finals of all 4 Grand Slams in a calendar yr.
Currently ranked quantity two behind Poland’s Iga Swiatek, Sabalenka mentioned 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 mentioned.
“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 closing.
But she was undeterred by the loss.
“Elena just played incredible tennis. She just crushed it,” she mentioned.
“Before the ultimate, I believe 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 turn out to be 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 mentioned.
“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