Aryna Sabalenka Celebrates Her Triumph
Aryna Sabalenka, after her recent win, turned to her team and playfully kissed her impressive biceps. This gesture reflects her journey from an all-or-nothing powerhouse to a refined and nearly flawless athlete at the peak of her career.
Victory at Brisbane International
On Sunday, Sabalenka claimed a convincing 6-4, 6-3 victory over Marta Kostyuk in the Brisbane International final, showcasing a style reminiscent of her younger self.
Flashes of Finesse
Throughout the tournament, she demonstrated moments of finesse, stating, “I’m happy you saw that. This is something I’ve been working on for most of my life but it didn’t come together until a few years ago. I’ve adapted my playing style to incorporate a variety of tactics.”
WTA Tour Dominance
Now ranked No. 1 on the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz, Sabalenka is a leading contender for the Australian Open, starting January 18. She aims to compete in her fourth consecutive final, reflecting on her previous encounters in the tournament.
Post-Season Preparation
Having taken a two-week break after the WTA Finals, Sabalenka returned slightly heavier but was visibly fit during the Brisbane matches, boasting an impressive record of 38 wins out of 40 in Australia over the past three years.
Pushing Her Limits
She remarked, “That’s quite ridiculous! I don’t focus on stats, but on my development as a player.” Her training showed, as she applied pressure on opponents effectively during matches.
Future Aspirations
When asked about her goals for the upcoming Australian Open, Sabalenka expressed confidence in her abilities. “I feel stronger than ever and will fight to improve on last year’s performance,” she stated, acknowledging the increasing competition in women’s tennis but emphasizing her focus on personal growth rather than strict goals.
