Aryna Sabalenka Reveals Rafael Nadal Quote from Netflix Documentary That Helps Her Stay Focused and Motivated on Court

Aryna Sabalenka talked about the movies that inspire her a lot. One of them is Rocky, and another one is the recently released Netflix documentary, Rafa, about tennis legend Rafael Nadal.

Sabalenka will be playing the third round of Wimbledon for the fourth time in her career. On Wednesday (July 1), the Belarusian ace eliminated McCartney Kessler 6-1, 7-6(9) in the second round, improving her head-to-head record to 2-0.

On the opening day of Wimbledon, Naomi Osaka once again made a fashion statement. Before her first-round match against Elsa Jacquemot, the former World No.1 walked out on Court 3 wearing a white kimono (Japanese traditional dress), inspired by Lucy Liu‘s character O-Ren Ishii in Kill Bill, a martial arts movie, directed by Quentin Tarantino.

Sabalenka was asked at the press conference after her second-round win whether there are any movies that inspire her or could inspire her outfits.

There’s so many movies that really inspire me. It can be comedy, it can be love story. You get like one little phrase that really inspires you. I don’t know if I will ever try to get inspired by the movie and create some outfit. I’ll have to really think a lot, because there’s probably so many great movies that you can get inspiration from. For now I’ll say Rocky. Maybe I have to think a bit deeply.

Another one is Nadal’s documentary. She recalled a quote from the documentary that helps her stay focused and motivated while competing.

He said, ‘The only thing you can control is your focus and motivation. It really [stuck] deep inside of me. Sometimes now, during the matches, whenever things are going wrong, I’m like, ‘The only thing you can control is focus and motivation.’ That was very strong.

Aryna Sabalenka added

Sabalenka, a three-time semifinalist at SW19, will face Jelena Ostapenko in the next round. The 2017 French Open champion breezed past Antonia Ruzic in the second round to reach the third round of Wimbledon for the sixth time in her career. Sabalenka holds a 3-1 head-to-head lead over the Latvian ace.

Aryna Sabalenka’s win over McCartney Kessler has boosted her confidence

Aryna Sabalenka, the winner of 24 singles titles from 44 finals, has played two finals on grass but never won a title. Before entering Wimbledon, she played the Berlin Open, where eventual runner-up Jessica Pegula knocked her out in the semifinals.

It was the first time she reached the last four of a tournament since completing the Sunshine Double after her win in Miami. Sabalenka, at the press conference after her second-round win, said tough matches at the beginning of a tournament help her confidence a lot.

It’s always better to win quickly. I have never heard anyone complain about winning 6-0, 6-0. But I also believe that these difficult matches at the beginning of the tournament help a lot. Today, I showed that I am prepared to fight when the game demands it. She played incredible tennis, forced me to raise my level, and I am very happy to have passed that test.

Aryna Sabalenka said at the press conference

Sabalenka is chasing her fourth title of the season at Wimbledon. She won titles in Brisbane, Indian Wells, and Miami, and also reached the final of the Australian Open (Elena Rybakina defeated her).

At the French Open, the 28-year-old’s run was ended by Diana Shnaider in the quarterfinals. If she reaches the fourth round, she could face fellow four-time Major singles champion Naomi Osaka. Last year at Wimbledon, the World No.1 lost to eventual runner-up Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals.

Also read: Watching Idol Serena Williams Play Singles Again at Wimbledon Made Naomi Osaka ‘Really Emotional’