Winning a Grand Slam title was always the dream for Aryna Sabalenka, but the dream wasn't about stopping at one.
Winning a Grand Slam is what every tennis player dreams of, and while very few actually do it, some get the chance to do it many times. Aryna Sabalenka is one of those tennis players who got her first relatively recently, as we're not even a full year away from that day.
She won last year's Australian Open on January 28th by beating Elena Rybakina in the final 3-6 6-3 6-4. There were chances for her to get a second one as she narrowly missed out on the Roland Garros final and stood in the US Open final, but unfortunately, Coco Gauff proved too strong, 2-6 6-3 6-2.
Ahead of the 2024 Australian Open, Sabalenka is hoping to continue the great performances from Brisbane, where she stood in another final, albeit losing to Elena Rybakina 0-6 3-6. After all, per Gulf News, Sabalenka is not keen to remain on one.
"I’m trying not to put myself under pressure. I’m trying to prepare myself as good as I can. It’s not easy, especially with the Grand Slams. It can get super emotional. One thing can change everything. But I think I did a great job in the preseason and I’m ready to do it."
Striking a nice balance is the goal for anything in life, especially high-pressure situations like playing competitive sports. One thing she talked about following last year's triumph is simply accepting that losses are part of it.
You can't win every match, and adjusting her mentality a little bit did wonders last year. Similar tones are the mantra this time around as well.
"I accepted the fact that I can lose, that everyone can go there and beat me if I’m not bringing my best tennis. Accepting this fact gives you more belief. You’re more calm on the court in those crucial moments."
"I think that’s why I’m not putting myself under pressure. Worst case, what happens? I’m going to lose a Grand Slam, lose some points, drop a little bit in the rankings? There are so many tournaments ahead."
The draw was relatively kind to Sabalenka as she will face qualifier Ella Seidel. The German is a talented player but probably not strong enough to give Sabalenka too much trouble.
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