Aryna Sabalenka made it very clear before starting Wimbledon Media Day 2023 that she was not going to make any statements about the war in Ukraine. Tired of being constantly asked about her opinion of everything that is happening, the Belarusian quickly settled the matter and assured that she is here to play tennis.
Therefore, there was no question about the veto of Wimbledon last season to Russians and Belarusians nor about any political matter, it was a purely sports press conference and where the number 2 of the WTA claims to feel like one of the favorites, but says that it comes without pressure and without expectations. The message to the press was clear to all the journalists present and everything was focused on knowing the feelings she has for this third Grand Slam of the season.
Feelings about returning to Wimbledon
“I’m excited right now. I’m super happy to be back because I really missed this place. When I first got here, I was just enjoying myself, I couldn’t believe I was here, so I’m happy to be back.”
Expectations for the tournament
“I don’t have any kind of expectations. The only expectation I have is to bring my best tennis every time I’m on the court and I hope to do that. Last year I played two tournaments on grass, in ‘s-Hertogenbosch and Berlin. No so no it’s that I haven’t played on grass for these two years. Also, the grass courts here at Wimbledon are something different, they’re just perfect, this is an incredible feeling on grass.”
Defeat in Paris with match points and learning
“It was a very, very difficult end of the tournament. I was really disappointed with that loss, but then I spoke to my team and it was a good lesson for me. I had a few days off and started my preparation for the grass-court season. I’ve learned what happens whatever happens I have to keep trying and just don’t lose the game easily you have to keep trying things don’t go crazy on the pitch and understand that whatever happens I still have a lot of chances so that was the main lesson for me. I took from Roland Garros”.
Is your initial statement a personal decision or made by pressure?
“It’s my personal decision.”
What did you do while Wimbledon 2022 was taking place?
“I was at home taking a little vacation and then practicing and training. But no, I didn’t watch much Wimbledon. I felt so bad I couldn’t watch it. Every time Wimbledon was on TV, I would cry, so I decided to stay as far away from the TV. tournament last season.
Mental strength to isolate yourself from what happens outside
“Well, that’s not easy. But I always tell myself that the best thing I can do is focus on the things I have control over. That’s really helping a lot to not think about anything but tennis.”
Training with Rybakina, the defending champion
“It was really amazing. That court feels really perfect, like everything is just perfect. It was a great training with Elena. Very high level practice. I think it’s a very good test before I start playing at Wimbledon.”
Your confidence on this surface
“I don’t like to talk about confidence. It’s a bit weird for me. I just want to say that I strongly believe that I can do well on the grass at Wimbledon, in fact, I already did a few years ago. I feel good. I feel good on the grass”.
The Big 3 of women’s tennis favorite to Wimbledon (Swiatek, Rybakina and Sabalenka)
“I saw a lot about this Big 3. It’s really cool to be one of those great players. Hopefully I can continue to do well. Of course, I think we are favorites here, but it doesn’t matter who is the favorite, it’s about your focus and your tennis. I’m pretty sure I’m going to give my best tennis and I’ll be focused from start to finish, I’m pretty sure I can do very well at Wimbledon.”
Her first time at Wimbledon as a Grand Slam champion
“The Australian Open title didn’t really affect my belief because to be honest that’s not giving me anything anymore. I still have to go on court and show the best that I can and fight for it.”
2023-07-01 15:52:24
#Aryna #Sabalenka #claims #reach #Wimbledon #expectations
