Aryna Sabalenka has been subjected to a year filled with unrest, having gone from the pure euphoria of a Grand Slam triumph to the desolation of losing a loved one.
However, she has not let it stop her from continuing to play her tennis, and whilst her form has somewhat faltered, few can have any complaints.
On the surface, she seems to be coping magnificently following last month’s tragedy, and remains as happy and fresh-faced as ever in every interview she partakes.
But her latest one saw her make a comment that might turn a few heads…
Aryna Sabalenka explains why she prefers watching men’s tennis
Speaking to Spanish outlet Punto De Break, the Belarusian tennis player sought to explain her analytical style when preparing to face an opponent.
This, funnily enough, actually has a huge impact on how she enjoys watching the sport as a whole, and explains why she prefers watching men’s tennis over women’s.
The 25-year-old claimed: ‘I feel that I have lowered the level a little within that hypothetical ‘Big Three’, this last month seems more like a Big Two (laughs). However, I am happy to be part of this group. I hope to maintain my level and that they keep playing this way.
‘I don’t watch their matches… I feel like I’ve played against them enough and that, if I face one of them again, my coach is going to show me images of their matches to analyze and prepare me. I’m not someone who watches too much tennis, I prefer to watch men’s tennis rather than women’s tennis, I feel like there is more strategy and it’s more interesting to watch (laughs).’
Aryna Sabalenka will be hoping to defend her Madrid Open title
2024 has been a hugely tumultuous year for Sabalenka, and one where the focus simply has to be on healing above competing above all else.
After all, the devastating news regarding her boyfriend’s death in March would have crushed her, yet it has not seen her break stride in the sport.
She still played the following Miami Open, and having since enjoyed a few weeks off before an early exit at Stuttgart, her attention now focuses on the Madrid Open.
Having won this competition last year, she proved herself as a hugely formidable competitor on clay. However, Iga Swiatek would go on to win Roland Garros, despite Sabalenka having defeated the 22-year-old in the final at Madrid.
This year, the 2024 Australian Open champion will be hoping to diversify her trophy cabinet with another Grand Slam title, but must be wary of overworking herself after what must have been a hugely stressful period.
She has the support of the entire tennis community with whatever she decides to do, and hopefully she can get back to her best on the court soon enough.
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