Sabalenka: ‘I almost forgot how it feels to win a title’

Aryna Sabalenka loves her new trophy already

Tennis – Adelaide International – Memorial Drive Tennis Club, Adelaide, Australia – January 8, 2023 Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka kisses the trophy after winning the final match against Czech Republic’s Linda Noskova (AI/Reuters/Panoramic)

Carrie Dunn

January 8, 2023

After a barren 2022, Aryna Sabalenka enjoyed such a brilliant week in Adelaide to start 2023, not dropping a single set.

And the Belarusian was honest about the relief and joy she felt once she had got her hands on the trophy – her first since Madrid in 2021.

“I almost forgot how it feels to having the title,” she said in the press conference.

“Last year I played some finals. I had some opportunities to win…

Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka reacts as she speaks to the crowd after winning the final match against Czech Republic’s Linda Noskova (AI/Reuters/Panoramic)

“But time goes so quick. Oh, my God. Yeah, super happy to keep winning the titles! For the moment, I thought like, ‘Okay, Madrid was the last one, I guess, after a couple of finals I lost.’

“Happy having this baby,” she smiled in conclusion.

Sabalenka: I’m ready for a big fight

She refused to be drawn on predictions for the forthcoming Australian Open, though.

“You never know. I just feel that I’m ready to show my best and I [am] ready for big fight. That’s everything what I feel right now.”

But she did admit that she thought she was a very different player to the one who last lifted a trophy almost two years ago.

“I think I’m a different player right now. I don’t know what to say. I think I’m just different. I’m older. Maybe a little bit smarter, little bit calmer on court. Just a little bit of everything changed.”