Australian Open: New perspective bringing out the best in Aryna Sabalenka
One year on, Aryna Sabalenka is bulldozing her way through the Australian Open as the hottest player in the women's game.
The 22-year-old powerhouse from Belarus with the tiger tattoo – a symbol of her fighting spirit and aggression on court – puts it down to renewed perspective.
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Hide AdIt was during a second-round match in the Czech city of Ostrava in October when it “all clicked”.
Sabalenka had not won a game. Trailing 0-6, 0-4 to Sara Sorribes Tormo, defeat seemed inevitable. But she turned it round to win not just the match but the tournament and hasn’t looked back since.
“After that one I understood anything can happen,” the seventh seed explained ahead of the Melbourne grand slam. “No matter what, you have to keep fighting. You don't have to get upset about anything. You just have to do your job and that's it.
“It started a little bit earlier when I lost my dad. After that moment I understood there are so many things in life to be worried about and tennis is just a small part of my life, in the big picture.
“Of course, I don't like to lose and I'm worried about tennis and doing everything I can, but we have to enjoy our life, we have to enjoy our time on the court, enjoy the opportunities we have.
“This happened one year ago, but to find this kind of mentality takes some time. I would say after that match in Ostrava, everything just clicked.”
She has won 18 out of 19 matches since. Last month's victory in Abu Dhabi was her third straight title, earning a career-high ranking of world No 7.
She has blitzed through the first three rounds in Melbourne without dropping a set, a 6-3, 6-1 demolition of Ann Li yesterday setting up an intriguing clash with Serena Williams.
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Hide AdThis is when things start to get tricky for Sabalenka, who has a woeful grand slam record. She has reached the fourth round at a major only once before.
To go a stage further, the game’s in-form player will have to overcome its best ever in what is shaping up to be a slug fest. The two biggest hitters on the women’s tour will be meeting for the first time. Expect fireworks.
Williams, of course, is no shrinking violet, but in a sport of big hitters Sabalenka is a colossus. Her booming serve and thumping forehand are potent weapons, but game management and lack of composure under pressure can let her down.
“I’m trying to control situations on the court,” she explained. Her instinct is attack, but she spoke recently of trying to refine her game.
“Sometimes just putting the ball in, this is enough,” she said. “You still can compete and win matches. This is what really helps me stay calm.”
The big question mark hanging over Sabalenka is whether or not she can stay calm and produce her best when it matters on the biggest stage. Victory over Williams would provide an answer and mark her arrival as a grand slam contender. Dad would be proud.