After trying to suppress her dreams of lifting the Wimbledon trophy in a week, Aryna Sabalenka believes now is the time to embrace them.
The world No.2 is relishing her return to the grasscourt major after being prevented from playing in 2022 due to the involvement of her country, Belarus, in the war in Ukraine. She has dropped only one set in three matches played so far this year which was in the second round against France’s Varvara Gracheva. In her latest match on Saturday, Sabalenka stormed her way past Anna Blinkova 6-2, 6-3, in just over 80 minutes.
Sabalenka’s confidence at major events is high given the season she has had so far. She won the Australian Open before going on to reach the last four at Roland Garros. Meanwhile, at Wimbledon, she already has the experience of reaching the semi-finals after doing so two years ago.
“It’s always going to be in your mind. You’re always thinking about this because this is something you want to get. This is your dream,” she said of winning Wimbledon.
“I tried to ignore these thoughts in my head but now I’m not trying to fight this. I’m just working through it and trying to focus on my game.”
“If I’m going to focus on my game and I’m going to be there consistently on a high level, I’m going to win this one.”
When asked specifically about her affection for Wimbledon, Sabalenka says its history makes the tournament a ‘special place’ for her.
Although there is no time to be complacent at The All England Club considering who the second seed faces next. Ekaterina Alexandrova has been somewhat of a thorn in the side of Sabalenka on the Tour with the Russian winning three out of their five Tour meetings, including their most recent one on the grass last year.
“I’m going to focus on myself, I’m going to fight for every point and not go crazy on the court,” she said of the upcoming clash.
“She’s a very aggressive player. Super flat and fast balls come from her (on the court). She’s a tough opponent to play against.”
Sabalenka has won 15 out of 16 matches played at major events so far this year.
