“I gave my all today and I just can be proud of myself” – Sabalenka heads to Rome a year older and with a lot of positives
The Belarusian celebrates her 26th birthday on Sunday and is feeling positive heading into next week’s Italian Open
Aryna Sabalenka, Madrid 2024
Image Credit: Antoine Couvercelle / Panoramic
If one looked at Aryna Sabalenka during the Madrid Open trophy presentation ceremony or at her press conference thereafter, it would be hard to imagine that this was the same player who had just lost a three-hour, 11-minute final after holding three matchpoints.
Far from being downbeat about failing to defend her title, the Belarusian said she was proud of giving it her all on Saturday as she fell one point short against world No 1 Iga Swiatek in a final that is already being tipped to the Match of the Year.
“I’m super proud of myself, that I was able to take myself out of such a tough situation and be able to fight again and be able to show my best tennis. I’m super proud of myself, proud of my team that no matter what, we stay together, we fight for the same dream. Even though it was really close, tight match, it went to Iga’s side. I’m happy with the level I played, with the effort I put into this match and into this week. It’s a lot of good things to take out of this tournament, and I think I’m leaving Madrid with positive thoughts.”
I think after the Australian Open I struggled for a couple of months. It’s been intense. It was tough to find myself back..
Aryna Sabalenka on the tough months leading upto Madrid
It’s been a rough few months for Sabalenka since winning her second Australian Open title in January. She lost her opening match in Dubai the following month and suffered a personal tragedy on the eve of the Indian Wells tournament. Heading into Madrid, she had gone 4-4 since Melbourne but rediscovered her fighting spirit and her confidence on the clay courts of Caja Majica even as she needed three sets to win four of her five matches to reach the final.
“I think after the Australian Open I struggled for a couple of months. It’s been intense. It was tough to find myself back, but I’m super happy that here in Madrid I was able to bring it all together and to be able to just to get back to my level. It was really tough, it was really intense matches, but I actually really enjoyed it. I know that every time when I’m kind of like facing my down and every time to bring myself back, I need to go through these tough matches, through these tough fights.”
“I beat great players here in Madrid. They all have been in incredible shape and I was able to somehow manage to get the win. I think I really enjoyed these couple of weeks. Even though it was really tough matches, I really enjoyed it. I think it only can get better from now on. I’m excited for the next couple of weeks, and yeah, hopefully I can do once again a little bit better than here.”
“I’m going to suffer for a day, and tomorrow I’m leaving to Rome, so I’m going to forget it quickly” – Sabalenka
Sabalenka will celebrate her birthday on Sunday – a year older and wiser – something that reflected in her response about how long the defeat would stay with her.
“I think it’s tougher (losing a close match), especially remembering all your thoughts on all your match points and the way you played. It was just too close. I think it’s tougher. But for me, I’m going to suffer for a day, and tomorrow I’m leaving to Rome, so I’m going to forget it quickly. It’s my birthday tomorrow. I hope I’m going to be in a good mood (smiling).”
The tennis juggernaut will roll onto Rome for the Italian Open where Sabalenka, who enjoys a first round bye as one of the top seeds, is excited for the next challenge.
“I actually have really early flight tomorrow, so I’m probably not going to sleep tonight. But the first thing comes to my mind, I’m ready for pasta. (Laughter.) Pasta, pizza, and lots of gelato. It’s really fast. We don’t have much time to relax, enjoy, or drink. (Laughter.) But, I’m happy that I’m top-seeded there, and I’ll have a bye. So I have a couple extra days to recover, to enjoy Rome, to enjoy this amazing pasta and pizza and everything what I’m not able to eat during the tournament. I’m excited. It’s one of my favorite tournaments. It’s such a beautiful facility and beautiful city. I love Rome, and I’m excited to get back there.”
