Belarusian tennis ace Aryna Sabalenka ‘s campaign in the 2024 season has gone a bit downhill with the 25-year-old suffering early exits in all three tournaments she played after the Australian Open. While Sabalenka clinched her second Grand Slam title in Melbourne, she was knocked out in the second round in the very next tournament.
The two-time singles Grand Slam champion did a fairly good job at the Indian Wells Open, reaching the pre-quarterfinals. However, Sabalenka was stunned by America’s Emma Navarro . At the Miami Open, Sabalenka showed up despite the challenges in her personal life, but her campaign was cut short again as she lost to Anhelina Kalinina .
Nevertheless, while many look at these defeats as failures, Sabalenka considers them as learnings. As the 25-year-old gears up to challenge Iga Swiatek in the latter’s defense of her crown, Sabalenka talks about her mindset. The Belarusian says that she has always been of the belief that these painful defeats give valuable lessons.
I always say, I’m not losing, I am learning. Every experience, especially the painful defeats, are valuable lessons that help me learn. Aryna Sabalenka said via Newsroom
Aryna Sabalenka eyeing the title in Stuttgart
Aryna Sabalenka also talked about her goals for the WTA 500 tournament in Stuttgart. The World No. 2 is eyeing nothing less than a title at the Porsche Grand Prix. Sabalenka admitted that she enjoys playing in the tournament and is happy to be back.
The Belarusian ace also gave a sneak peek into her mindset before heading into a tournament. Sabalenka said that she pushes herself to believe that she is going to win the tournament even if the intuitions say otherwise.
This year I really want to win the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. I love this tournament, always enjoy my time here and always enjoy playing here. I’m super happy to be back...Even if you don’t have the feeling you’re going to win the tournament, you’re trying to make yourself think you will. It’s all about hoping things are going to be good for you. Aryna Sabalenka stated
Notably, Sabalenka has reached the final of Stuttgart in the last two consecutive years. However, she was defeated in straight sets by Iga Swiatek on both those occasions. Now, after a dry season following a title-winning performance in Melbourne, the 25-year-old would be hoping to lift a title and also kick off her clay season on a high.
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