“I’m just focused on myself,” Aryna Sabalenka prefers to enjoy her game over wins and rankings

Aryna Sabalenka prefers to enjoy her game rather than winning matches and improving rankings.


“I’m just focused on myself,” Aryna Sabalenka prefers to enjoy her game over wins and rankings

Aryna Sabalenka

On Tuesday, Aryna Sabalenka, the champion of the Australian Open, advanced to the quarter-finals of the Indian Wells tournament for the first time. She secured a hard-fought victory over Barbora Krejcikova with a score of 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, continuing her impressive performance in the 2023 season. Notably, Krejcikova defeated Sabalenka in the quarter-finals of the Dubai tournament last month, ending her unbeaten run in 2023.

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Despite Krejcikova having an opportunity to force a deciding set, Sabalenka saved a break point in the final game and closed out the match. Sabalenka does not believe in wins and records instead she wants to enjoy her game as long as she can and make people love her game too.

Speaking after her win, Sabalenka said, “To be honest, I’m not focusing on the wins & the ranking & whatever. I’m just focused on myself… just trying to make people enjoy my game.” Having defeated the Belarusian in the quarter-finals at Dubai last month, Barbora Krejcikova was the one who put an end to Sabalenka’s unbeaten record in 2023.

During their recent match at Indian Wells, Krejcikova had an opportunity to force a deciding set, but Sabalenka saved a break point in the final game and ultimately emerged victorious. Sabalenka is currently aiming to get close to Iga Swiatek in points and eventually the top spot in WTA rankings.

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Aryna Sabalenka eyes on the top spot in WTA charts

In her quest for a spot in the semi-finals, Aryna Sabalenka is set to face sixth-seeded American Coco Gauff, who secured a hard-fought 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 win against Swedish qualifier Rebecca Peterson by rallying in the third set. Despite Gauff’s struggles in her recent match, Sabalenka stated that she wouldn’t underestimate the teenager.

At 4-4 in the deciding set, Coco Gauff saved three break points that would have allowed Rebecca Peterson to serve for her third career Top 10 victory. Gauff then managed to break Peterson’s serve, even though she was down 30-0, and ultimately won the match. Sabalenka and Gauff have played against each other four times, and Gauff has emerged victorious in three of those encounters. The most recent one took place in Toronto last year.

It will be a close contest between two in-form players fighting for a spot in the semis. Fans and the tennis world will be excited to see these two play and are expecting a thriller. Gauff will have good support being a local player but Sabalenka will be brimming with confidence after her first Grand Slam title earlier this year.

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