Aryna Sabalenka will fight for a third consecutive Australian Open title as if she was looking to win her first title, after abandoning her defending champion mindset last year in favor of great success.
The world No. 1 is a heavy favorite to win again at Melbourne Park as the standout hard court player in the women’s game, but she will try to shake off the mental burden of defending her title and keep it simple.
“I just remember that last year I didn’t think about being the defending champion at all,” the Belarusian told reporters on Friday at Melbourne Park.
“I just took it one step at a time. I think that was actually the key.
“So this year I’m going to do the same thing.
I hope I can win this beautiful trophy again.”
Another triumph in Melbourne meant Sabalenka joined an honorary group of three-peat women that includes Margaret Court (1969-71), Steffi Graf (1988-90) and Martina Hingis (1997-99).
Not that Sabalenka can keep up with the statistics.
“For example, I don’t read this every day, the history of tennis. There’s enough tennis in my life,” she laughed.
“Of course I know I have the opportunity to join the legends by winning three times in a row. I’ll say it again: I don’t want to think about it too much. I just want to do my job.
The powerful Belarusian, once prone to occasional bouts of nerves, now has the confidence gained from three Grand Slam titles and a No. 1 world ranking.
He is also in good form after winning the Brisbane International.
While some players feel overwhelmed by the weight of expectation once they reach the top of their game, Sabalenka says he is relishing it.
“For me, (it) has always been about my character. I’ve always been competitive,” she said.
“It drives me and helps me stay motivated because I know I have a target on my back. I really like having it. So I work very hard, I make sure no one can get to me.
Her opponent will be American Sloane Stephens, former US Open champion, whose ranking dropped to 84th place in the first round.
“We have fought great battles in the past. I think he has nothing to lose at the moment,” Sabalenka said.
