“I’ve got good genetics I guess,” Aryna Sabalenka’s perfect season continues as she reaches the finals of the 2023 Australian Open
The Belarusian was extremely happy to reach the first Grand Slam final of her career
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Aryna Sabalenka at her on court interview
Aryna Sabalenka is delighted with her straight-sets win over Magda Linette in the semifinals of the 2023 Australian Open. The fifth seed is also looking forward to facing 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the finals of the first Slam of the year and hopes to come out of that match with the first Grand Slam title of her career.
Sabalenka’s delight was clear to see as she answered questions in the on-court interview with a broad smile on her face. The Belarusian said after the win, “I’m super happy right now … thank you [to the fans] for staying late and supporting us, the atmosphere was incredible.”
The World No.5 analyzed the match, saying, “I didn’t start really well but in the [first-set] tiebreak, I found my rhythm, started trusting myself, started going for my shots.” There was a light moment when the interviewer told Sabalenka that the speed of her forehands was up there with men’s tennis players. The star pretended to kiss her biceps while the crowd erupted in laughter.
“I actually think that I hit really slow balls today … thank you, I’ve got good genetics, I guess,” Sabalenka said to more laughter. Her excitement for the final was also evident as she mistook the match to be happening the following day. “To play on this court is a great experience for me … I hope it’s going to help me tomorrow … sorry, Saturday!
Finally, Sabalenka praised her opponent in the championship-deciding match, Elena Rybakina. She said, “Elena is an amazing player. Super aggressive, and she already has a grand slam … it’s going to be great, I’m really looking forward to this final.”
Aryna Sabalenka defeats Magda Linette in straight sets
Sabalenka started her semifinal clash weakly but made up ground and looked dominant by the end. The first set was the match’s highlight as Sabalenka and Linette played beautiful tennis to take it to a breakpoint.
The two players went back and forth, breaking each other’s serves. Then it was 6-6. With the stakes high, Sabalenka delivered. She played beautifully in the tiebreak, displaying all her strengths to win it 7-1. In the second set, Sabalenka seemed to have found her groove. At 1-1, Sabalenka shifted gears and dominated to win four games in a row to make it 5-1.
Linette won the next game, but any chance of a comeback ended with a brilliant winner by Sabalenka to finish the game. With a performance like this in the final, she will push Rybakina all the way.
Incase you missed it:
Elegance defines Elena Rybakina’s triumph at the Australian Open semis
Elena Rybakina thanks the Original 9 after reaching the 2023 Australian Open finals
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Samarth Srivastava
(139 Articles Published)