Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked World No. 3, has shared insights into the mindset that has guided her recent success on the professional tennis circuit. In a candid reflection on her approach to the game, Sabalenka emphasized the importance of focusing on small, immediate goals rather than being burdened by larger, long-term objectives.
Sabalenka noted that her performance improves when she concentrates on manageable tasks. “I’m better without goals,” she remarked, adding that while every player has overarching ambitions, the key to success lies in taking “small steps” toward those aims.
This mindset has been crucial as Sabalenka navigates her return to competition following a rotator cuff injury that sidelined her during Wimbledon. Competing in her second tournament since the injury, Sabalenka has shown resilience, advancing to the semifinals of the Mubadala Citi DC Open and now reaching the third round of the National Bank Open after defeating Yuan Yue.
Sabalenka acknowledged the challenges of playing her first tournament post-injury, explaining that overprotectiveness can create additional tension. However, she expressed confidence in her recovery, stating, “I realize that I don’t have to protect it, that it’s done, it’s clean, I can go for it without fear that I can get injured again.” With her shoulder no longer a concern, Sabalenka feels more liberated on the court, allowing her to focus solely on her game and deliver her best performance.
As she continues her campaign in Montreal, Sabalenka’s emphasis on small goals and her newfound physical freedom may prove pivotal in her pursuit of further success on the hard courts.
Aryna Sabalenka in 2024
At the moment ranked no.3, Aryna played her last match on the 10th of August when she surrendered to world no.132 Amanda Anisimova 6-4 6-2 in the quarter in Toronto (draw).
Presently, during this year Sabalenka has managed to achieve a compiled 34-11 win-loss record. Sabalenka clinched 1 title at the Australian Open. The Belarussian got to the final in Brisbane, Madrid and Rome.
Aryna Sabalenka will fight against the world no.202 Petra Kvitova in the final on Saturday at 6:00 pm on CENTRE COURT. The head to head is 3-2 for Kvitova.
The Belarussian has won 1 title in 2024 at the Australian Open. Sabalenka got to the final in Brisbane (Brisbane International), in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) and in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia).
The Belarussian won 14 titles in her career: 10 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Sabalenka has scheduled to play next in Cincinnati (Western & Southern Open). She will start to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 12th of August.
Aryna Sabalenka |
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