The top-seeded at WTA 1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships Aryna Sabalenka said she is more motivated than ever to achieve success. The 24-year-old Belarusian tennis player defeated Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina by 2-1 (4:6, 6:3, 6:4) at the Australian Open for her first Grand Slam win after losing three semifinals.
“It means a lot. I believe in myself, but I waited so long, I worked so hard and yet I didn’t make it”, said Aryna Sabalenka, who will be competing in her first tournament since Melbourne. “When I won, I was very happy. I couldn’t believe it at first. The next week I was like, ‘Oh my God, I did it!’ Yes, it really happened. It’s great. Now I even want more. I want more. “Motivation” is the word. Motivation to work harder to feel that feeling again”, added she.
Aryna Sabalenka admitted that her big win “definitely changed” her mindset.
“I have to keep proving every time I’m on the court that I’m in the right place”, she said.
Adelaide champion Aryna Sabalenka is unbeaten in 11 matches this year and will play Lauren Davis in the second round of the Dubai tournament after missing the opener.
“I will go step by step. Sometimes you look too far ahead and I lost the first match because you are already thinking about the semi-final. Every opponent is difficult. Tennis has improved a lot. If you see that No. 1 will play against No. 30 in the rankings, it means nothing. Anyone can beat anyone”, concluded Aryna Sabalenka.