Aryna Sabalenka stays grounded heading into Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka, despite coming off the back of a win in Brisbane, chooses to stay grounded heading into the Australian Open.

World number one Sabalenka successfully defended her Brisbane International title on Sunday, defeating Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 6-3 at Pat Rafter Arena without dropping a set in the tournament.

Kostyuk had enjoyed a remarkable run to the final, overcoming top-10 players Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva, and Amanda Anisimova. However, she was unable to match the overwhelming power of the US Open champion.

On paper, the 27-year-old is one of the contenders to lift the title at Melbourne Park. However, she is keen on distancing herself from the favourite tag.

“It’s tennis, it’s sport, and that’s why it’s so beautiful because you cannot predict anything,” she said during her press conference.

“It’s like every day you go out there and you prove your level, you prove your point.

“This week I did it really well, but nobody knows what’s gonna happen in the future, but the only thing I’m sure of is that I will be there, I’ll be fighting, I’ll do my best to go as far as possible and do a little bit better than I did last year.”

Sabalenka added that her focus is on her game and fitness, and wants to enter the Australian Open healthy and strong.

“My focus is on my game and developing myself and making sure that I’m strong and healthy heading to the Australian Open,” she added.

The Australian Open is set to begin on Sunday, January 18, at Melbourne Park.