WTA No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka has been in some form this year. After having started great, the Belarusian fell into some personal difficulties and lacked form in a couple of tournaments, including the Stuttgart Open. However, ever since, she has been flying through tournaments, bringing her best performance forward.
After a close encounter with Iga Swiatek at the finals of the Madrid Open, Sabalenka hoped to do better in Italy. She recently beat the feisty Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets to claim her spot in the semi-finals.
Aryna Sabalenka (Via Imago)
Much like Swiatek yesterday, even Sabalenka attended a rather interesting interview with the Tennis Channel after the triumph.
After giving a match review, the Belarusian opened up about her mindset heading into the French Open. She revealed that she will look more into her game heading into Roland Garros but is more focused on winning in Rome and heading into Paris with a more confident mindset.
Definitely looking more on my game. Of course, as I always say, Rome is the dream tournament for me to win and I’ll be super happy. But if I'm going to win it ugly, I would be not happy going into Paris so I’m trying to improve every match I play, so at the end of the week I’ll be quite confident going into Paris.Said Aryna Sabalenka via Tennis Channel.
Currently, she is one of the Top 3 WTA women to make it to the semis of the WTA 1000 event and hopes to win her maiden title there. Although Sabalenka still awaits her semi-final opponent, she might set up another final clash against Swiatek and hope to seek revenge then.
Aryna Sabalenka beat Jelena Ostapenko in an epic showdown of serves to make it to the semis
26-year-old Aryna Sabalenka is on a roll at the Italian Open. After cruising past her previous rounds, the Belarusian did the same against Jelena Ostapenko in the quarterfinals.
It was an exciting clash between two strong servers. However, Sabalenka did learn from her previous mistakes and served even better this time.
With over 81% of points won on serves and no break points given, Sabalenka beat the Latvian 6-2, 6-4 to make it to the semis. It was an exceptional display of service from Sabalenka, who was even praised in her interview with the Tennis Channel.
I’m not trying to ace every serve. I’m trying to start the point in the right way, thinking tactically mostly and hitting the surface as hard as I can.Said Aryna Sabalenka on her service.
Furthermore, she stated that she will use these tools to her benefit and will try to win more matches. The Belarusian now awaits the winner of Danielle Collins and Victoria Azarenka. Another exciting semi-final clash as the Italian Open comes to an end.
