Aryna Sabalenka feels ‘much hungrier’ to overcome Australian Open heartbreak and showcase success during the Middle East tour

Aryna Sabalenka was unable to defend her Australian Open title, losing to Madison Keys in the final in three sets.

Aryna Sabalenka feels ‘much hungrier’ to overcome Australian Open heartbreak and showcase success during the Middle East tour

Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X)

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is hoping to overcome her Australian Open heartbreak and regain her form in March during Indian Wells and Miami. The Belarusian lost in three sets to Madison Keys in the Australian Open final.

Initially, it was difficult for her to recover, as she suffered early exits at the Qatar Open and the Dubai Open. However, she is now back for the first Masters 1000 event of the season at the BNP Paribas Open and aims to make an impact in the United States.

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After the Australian Open, I needed some time, I already said it, I needed to recharge and start over. Maybe I didn’t play my best tennis during the month of February, let’s say it wasn’t the best time for me in terms of physical condition, health, and not even mentally. We worked a lot and now, definitely, I feel much better. I feel hungrier than during the Middle East tour, so I hope to keep showing my best tennis in every match I can play here.

Aryna Sabalenka said in her post-match press conference

So far at Indian Wells, Sabalenka has looked strong. She began her campaign against local favorite McCartney Kessler, winning 7-6, 6-3. After that, she dominated Lucia Bronzetti 6-1, 6-2 to advance to the Round of 16.

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In the Round of 16, she will face another unseeded player, Sonay Kartal from the United Kingdom. Sabalenka is chasing her second title of the season after her earlier victory at the Brisbane International.

Aryna Sabalenka looking to boost ranking lead from Iga Swiatek

Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek have been the top two players on the WTA Tour in recent months. Both have performed well in Indian Wells, reaching the second week with strong wins. Their dominance continues to stand out in women’s tennis.

Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek
Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek (Image via WTA/X)

No matter how the tournament unfolds, Sabalenka has a big advantage in the WTA rankings. She started Indian Wells with more than 1,000 points ahead of Swiatek. At the moment, Sabalenka has 9,076 points, while Swiatek sits at 7,985. Swiatek had closed the gap after the Australian Open but lost ground with early exits in Doha and Dubai.

Last year, Sabalenka was eliminated early in Indian Wells. This time, she has already matched her 2024 performance, keeping her 120 points. If she continues winning, she could increase her lead. A quarter-final run would push her to 9,171 points, while making the semi-finals would bring her to 9,346.

If Sabalenka reaches the final, she would have 9,606 points. Winning the title would give her a massive 9,956 points. She remains the favorite in her next matches and has a strong chance to extend her lead over Swiatek in the rankings.