Sabalenka claims that winning the Grand Slam fueled her desire for success

The newest Grand Slam winner on the WTA Tour, Aryna Sabalenka, says she is more driven than ever to expand on her achievements as she enters this week’s Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships.

After losing in the semifinals of three previous Grand Slam tournaments, the big-hitting 24-year-old came back to defeat Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final last month. This was the first Grand Slam victory for the big-hitting player.

“It means a lot. I believed in myself but I was waiting for so long, working so hard, and couldn’t get it. I had tough losses in the semi-finals,” stated Sabalenka, who will make her first appearance in the competition since winning at Melbourne Park.

“When I won, I was super happy. I couldn’t believe it in the beginning. Then for the next week, I was like ‘Oh, my God I did it. Yes, it’s happened.’ I was having this conversation in my head that, ‘Wow. It’s so amazing.’

“Now I have even more. I want more. ‘Motivation’, that is the word. More motivation to work hard, just to feel it again.”

Sabalenka declared that although her big victory had “definitely changed” her perspective slightly, she would not get complacent.

“I still have to prove every time on the court that I’m in the right place,” added Sabalenka.

After being given a bye, Adelaide winner Sabalenka will face Jill Teichmann or Linz champion Anastasia Potapova in the second round of the Dubai Open, but she isn’t too concerned about the draw.

“I’m taking it step by step. Sometimes you look too far, then you lose the first match because you’re already thinking about your semi-final match,” Sabalenka stated.

“Each opponent is really tough. Tennis has improved a lot. If you see in the draw a number one playing against a number 30, it doesn’t say anything. Anyone can beat anyone.”

Also Read:

Davis Cup Format, seeking supportive sponsors