Aryna Sabalenka reveals her ‘change in mindset’ going into big matches

Aryna Sabalenka has completely changed her big match fortunes after Wimbledon after being second best to Iga Swiatek earlier in 2024.

Aryna Sabalenka reveals her ‘change in mindset’ going into big matches

Aryna Sabalenka (via X/liviefromparis)

Aryna Sabalenka is arguably the most in-form tennis player in the world right now. The Belarusian has taken her 2024 season to another level after the Paris Olympics, winning the Cincinnati Open title before capturing her first US Open title last month.

The biggest change in Sabalenka has been her confidence before big matches. The former World No. 1 discussed this shift in her mentality during a press conference at the China Open.

I used to feel like if I didn’t win a match, something bad would happen, that I would die or something. But those kinds of thoughts are what create all that pressure, all that frustration and craziness.

Aryna Sabalenka said in her post-match press conference

Sabalenka had a difficult summer, missing Wimbledon and not being able to represent her country at the Paris Olympics. However, she returned to the WTA tour fully recharged in August and captured the Cincinnati Open title. This was her first WTA title in seven months, as she had not won a title since her Australian Open victory in January.

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With the US Open win, Sabalenka has completely changed her fortunes. After finishing behind Iga Swiatek in most of their matches in 2024, she managed to beat the Pole in their Cincinnati encounter. With the current World No. 1 struggling with physical issues, the US Open champion is aiming for a return to the top of the WTA rankings during this indoor season.

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Aryna Sabalenka continues to make history at the China Open

World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka continues her impressive run by winning her 14th straight match. She defeated Ashlyn Krueger 6-2, 6-2 to move into the Round of 16 at the China Open on Monday (September 30). The Australian Open and US Open champion aims to claim her second consecutive WTA 1000 title this week.

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X)

Sabalenka began this winning streak during her title victory in Cincinnati in August. Next, she will face No. 18 seed Madison Keys, who won against 13th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia earlier in the day, scoring a 6-3, 6-3 win.

Some impressive stats highlight Sabalenka’s form on Chinese courts. She has 48 match wins in 2024, placing her second on tour, just behind World No. 1 Iga Swiatek. Since her debut in China in 2017, she has recorded 39 wins, the most by any player.

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Sabalenka boasts a stunning 81.3% winning percentage in WTA events in China, the highest in the Open Era. She has won four titles in China, earning the nickname “Daughter of China.” Now, she seeks her first title in Beijing, as she has never gone past the quarterfinals there.