Aryna Sabalenka has claimed that she is raring to go at the Australian Open, despite a blip in her preparations at the Brisbane International. Sabalenka was humbled by Rybakina in the final of the warm-up tournament.
World number two Aryna Sabalenka is raring to go in the Australian Open 2024 despite her humbling loss in the final of the Brisbane International recently against Elena Rybakina.
Sabalenka, who is the defending champion at the Australian Open, had a fantastic 2023 when she also reached the final of the US Open and reached the final four stages of the French Open and Wimbledon.
She came into the warm-up event in Brisbane with a lot of form but found herself searching for answers in the final as Rybakina defeated her 6-3, 6-0.
Speaking to the reporters, as quoted by Reuters, Sabalenka said that she had an incredible year in 2023 as she improved a lot as a player and a person. The World number two feels she has had a good pre-season ahead of the first grand slam of the year.
“I had an incredible season last year, improved a lot as a player and as a person,” she added. “I did really a great pre-season. We worked a lot. I felt like we improved a lot. I feel really great and feel like I’m ready to go.”
Speaking about her loss at the Brisbane International, Sabalenka said that Rybakina played incredible tennis and said she crushed it.
“I mean, the (Brisbane) final, Elena just played incredible tennis. She just crushed it. I tried to do my best, and I’m just thankful for those three games,” Sabalenka said.
“Before the finals, I think I played really great tennis. Everything worked on the pre-season. Everything worked on match. That’s what we are happy with. Even though the finals didn’t go well, we still have another week.”
Sabalenka will start her Australian Open title defence against qualifier Ella Seidel and could potentially face Ons Jabeur in the quarterfinals.
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