Winning a Grand Slam even when you are used to it can provoke extremely strong emotions. Novak Djokovic demonstrated this at the start of the year by lying down in tears in the middle of his box after winning his 22nd trophy at the Australian Open. So when it’s a first, as was the case for Aryna Sabalenka at the same tournament, the feeling is special, as the Belarusian explained in a press conference before her entry into the running at Indian Wells:
“I didn’t expect to cry, but when I won, especially in the last game, I was shaking. I really wanted to win and then I cried. I was expecting this moment [gagner un tournoi du Grand Chelem] but I didn’t expect to cry, I [m’attendais à être] happy, jumping. The wait has been so long. It was different! I want to feel that again, it felt so good.”
This strong emotion motivates her and her staff, and makes her want to make the necessary efforts to win again and again.
“After this big win, it’s easier to get back on the pitch than after a loss. Everyone was so happy. We have worked so much. I feel more motivated, I feel like I need more success, I want more wins.
Winning in Indian Wells would definitely be a big win for the 24-year-old, who hasn’t won a WTA 1000 title since 2021 and has never done better than a knockout round in the California desert.
SABALENKA: “I DON’T FEEL DIFFERENT NOW THAT I WON A GRAND SLAM”
However, the success obtained by the second player in the world in Australia does not seem to have changed her state of mind:
“I don’t feel different, I feel like the same player, just with a Grand Slam title added, and I still have to go out on the court and play my best tennis to win. Nothing has really changed, I’m still working hard, I still want to get this title and I hope I can do something good here.
Aryna Sabalenka dominated Evgeniya Rodina this Friday when she entered the California tournament
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