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Aryna Sabalenka looks to bounce back from last close loss at the US Open | Photo credit: Reuters
A series of close losses at the US Open has given Aryna Sabalenka extra motivation to get the job done at the final Grand Slam of the year.
World number two Sabalenka, who has described the US Open as her favourite Grand Slam, has reached at least the semi-finals for the past three years, including a runner-up performance last year.
“It’s not that I have it in my mind that I left something unfinished here, but those tough losses definitely motivated me to work harder and improve the things that didn’t work in previous years,” Sabalenka told reporters.
“Every time I come here, I really hope for the best result. I really hope that one day I will be happy to lift this beautiful trophy.”
In preparation for the hardcourt season, the two-time Australian Open champion took a mid-year break to recover from a shoulder injury that prevented her from competing at Wimbledon.
The break has done wonders for the Belarusian, as her game has adapted to hard courts. Cincinnati wins title She’s in the last of her three tune-up events and feels indestructible.
“This little break was much needed. The first two tournaments were very tough on the shoulder. For the first time I felt so scared of getting injured,” Sabalenka said.
“But I’m really happy that things worked out for me in Cincinnati, and I’m confident in our hard work. I’m sure I won’t get injured again.”
Sabalenka is considered the favourite in New York but faces a number of challenges over the next fortnight, including a potential clash with defending champion Coco Gauff in the semi-finals and world number one Iga Swiatek in the final.
But Sabalenka, who boasts a powerful serve, aggressive baseline play, explosive groundstrokes and ease at the net, knows she has the tools needed to win a third Grand Slam title.
“I’m proud of the way I’m playing right now because I know how much work I have to put in to improve my game so I can play all kinds of difficult shots and add variety to my game,” Sabalenka said.
“So it’s like a positive emotion for me. Also, when I see myself improving something, it motivates me and pushes myself to work harder and find some more things to improve and get better at.”
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