Before, I struggled to manage the pressure of tennis, overthinking and wasting energy. Now, I focus on taking it easier and bringing my best tennis to every match.

Aryna Sabalenka

“I’ve become a more experienced player,” said 26-year-old Belarusian after her recent win. “I have better consistency in my game now. When you first start on tour, making it to the second week feels crazy and you put a lot of pressure on yourself about the results. You’re always under pressure.

“Honestly, I didn’t know how to handle that pressure before. I used to think too much about tennis on my days off and waste my energy. Now, I’m trying to take things easier and just focus on bringing my best tennis and fighting for it. I know that no matter what happens on the court, I will give it my all.

“If it’s meant to be, it will happen. The only thing you can control is yourself and you have to fight for it. It has helped me to enjoy the journey, which isn’t always easy.”

Sabalenka is currently enjoying a successful season, with an Australian Open title, a win in Cincinnati, and runner-up finishes in Madrid and Rome. She is now the favorite to win the US Open.

“It’s not about being the favorite,” Sabalenka emphasized. “It’s about how hard you’re willing to fight for it. There will be tough moments in matches when you don’t feel your best and you have to push through. That’s what it’s all about.

“I’m honored to be seen as a favorite and I will do my best to win this beautiful trophy.”