Aryna Sabalenka’s first experience of playing on Centre Court at Wimbledon wasn’t the fairytale she expected.
Taking to the premier court, the Belarusian admitted she struggled with a variety of factors. The surface, the crowd, her nerves and an inspired performance by her opponent. Despite being ranked 215 places higher than British wildcard Katie Boulter, Sabalenka was forced to battle from behind to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, after more than two hours of roller-coaster tennis.
“I felt like everything was against me, and I’m really happy that I could separate myself from the people and everything, and just think about my game, what I have to do,” she said.
“I was really nervous because I knew there’s a lot of people there supporting her (Boulter). It’s Centre Court. I hadn’t played on the Centre Court yet. I didn’t know what to expect.”
24-year-old Boulter didn’t appear intimidated by her opponent and was even able to match her powerful ball striking. She was ranked as high as 82nd in the world back in 2019 before a back injury derailed her journey. Although the Brit appears to be back on the rise once again after recently the quarter-finals of the Nottingham Open. Against Sabalenka, she had elbow heavily strapped during the match.
“I was really nervous,” Sabalenka reiterates. “I’m really happy that I could deal with all the pressure, all the emotions and get through this unbelievable crazy match.’
“She played really well. I gave her an opportunity, she took it, and she was playing at a high level. It was a tough match.”
Despite being fourth in the world, Sabalenka is yet to have a breakthrough in a major. In fact, her win over Boulter moves her into the third round of Wimbledon for the first time in her career. Only once before has she reached the fourth round of a major which was at the 2018 US Open.
If that wasn’t enough pressure to contend with, she is also playing a major at her highest ever sending of two. Although she insists that there is no need for concern.
“I had a lot of experience how to deal with the pressure. It’s tough, but I think I can deal with all this pressure,” she said. “I don’t want to say I’m trying to not think about that because any way you’re thinking about it. You just have to accept it and just move on and do your best.”
Sabalenka will play Colombian qualifier María Camila Osorio Serrano in the third round.
