“I think I would be alone,” Aryna Sabalenka drives a wedge between her on and off court personalities as she beams with victorious satisfaction at the Australian Open

Despite her fearsome presence during matches, Sabalenka acknowledges the necessity of maintaining a distinct identity off the court.

“I think I would be alone,” Aryna Sabalenka drives a wedge between her on and off court personalities as she beams with victorious satisfaction at the Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka (Credits: Sky Sports)

Aryna Sabalenka is the 2024 Australian Open champion. Defending her title at the Rod Laver Arena, Sabalenka gained victory over Chinese player Qinwen Zheng in an easy 2-setter match. 

With a dominant forehand, which can crush her opponent very easily, Sabalenka is a formidable force to be reckoned with. Despite being one of the most cheerful players, one can see a clear contrast in her personality off the court.

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In a press conference following her straight-set triumph, Sabalenka talked about the differences in her on- and off-court personalities. With a grin, she acknowledged that it was indeed a good thing that she was different on the court than off the court. 

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If I would be the same person that I'm on the court off the court, I think I wouldn't have my team around me, and I think I would be alone. But yeah, I mean, it takes me so much time to kind of like
become who I am right now on court, to have this control
 myself, and to understand myself better.
She shared.

Interestingly enough, throughout the tournament, Sabalenka has exhibited an unmatchable intensity on the court as well as a goofy personality off the court. On the court, she leaves her opponents reeling with her powerful groundstrokes, but off court, she is filled with warmth and humility. 

Yeah, it's been  a long journey and way to go.  I just said it, like, I'm going to retire after today.  (Laughter.) But, no, too early, I think. Can still do  something else.  But, yeah, it takes me a little while to become who I am right now.
Continuing further, she added

Notably, her taking on a different character when she walks on the court is very similar to what was done by Rafael Nadal during his time of play. Sabalenka admits that it took her a lot of time to become like that on the court, and she has to prepare herself to gain that sort of control over herself. 

Aryna Sabalenka Clinches Australian Open Victory with Dominant Performance

Aryna Sabalenka won the Australian Open final in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. The defending champion wasted no time in exerting her power on the court, kicking off the match with a bang.

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X)

Sabalenka quickly earned a break, laying the groundwork for the match. She increased her advantage to 3-0 before Zheng made a comeback attempt.

Despite Zheng’s redemption, the Belarusian kept her cool and held match points at 5-2. Zheng saved three match points and won a critical tiebreaker to make it 5-3, but it was only a short hiccup in Sabalenka’s unstoppable victory. She served out the set in the next game, securing the opening set.

Sabalenka continued her control in the second set, racing to a 2-0 lead after securing an early break. Zheng managed to score in the third game, closing the lead to 2-1. Sabalenka remained undeterred, breaking her opponent’s serve in back-to-back games to take a commanding 4-1 lead.

Despite missing out on four championship points, Sabalenka showed tremendous poise and determination, serving out the match at 5-2. With her victory, she became a two-time Major winner, establishing her standing as one of the most celebrated and formidable forces in tennis.

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