Aryna Sabalenka revisits her famous ‘boring’ statement

Aryna Sabalenka has backtracked on her previous statement that she would become ‘boring’ as the Belarusian admits not many things have changed when it comes to her passion and energy on the pitch.

In the past, the world number 2 had some very difficult defeats on the biggest stage – most notably losing her first three Grand Slam semi-finals and it was clear that the pressure and nerves were too much for her to cope in those to compete in competitions. But as the 2023 season began, she impressively won Adelaide without a set lost and also reached the Australian Open final without a set lost before creating a comeback win over Elena Rybakina 4-6 6-3 6-4 for her first Major title.

At the time, Sabalenka called her newfound success “becoming boring”.

“I think my calmness on the court is about it. I was just prepared for anything. Whatever’s going to happen on the court, I’m ready for that. I think that’s the key. I wish I would have been like that.” a few years ago. Finally I understand what everyone was looking for and asking for. I must be a little boring on the court. It’s still about a lot of positive emotions for me, but I try to stay away from the negative ones and just fight for every point,” the 26-year-old said at the 2023 Australian Open.

Sabalenka asked about that statement in Beijing

Since realizing her childhood dream of a Slam, the Belarusian has added two more Majors to her collection and is also ranked number one in the world. She is currently on a 15-match winning streak after winning Cincinnati, the US Open and reaching the quarterfinals in Beijing.

In the midst of her big winning streak, a reporter reminded Sabalenka of the “boring” statement she made almost two years ago and asked if that was something that could explain her recent success.

“Well, I think I was a little wrong when I said that. I think I’m not boring. I’m still able to convey this fighting spirit. I’m still very competitive. I don’t know what word I must say.” I use it to explain. I’m not flat. I still have emotions that don’t make me so boring to watch. I really hope I can keep going and see how far I can get with this,” the three-time Grand Slam winner explained.

Sabalenka talks candidly about what she went through before she got to where she is now

After failing to make a real Slam breakthrough several times, the current world number 2 started to struggle during the 2022 season. At that time, she faced technical but also mental problems during her serve, which one of the biggest reasons was why she was inconsistent.

But after hitting one of the lowest points of her career, the 26-year-old hired a biomechanics coach and it didn’t take long for her to completely turn her situation around. Since the start of 2023, Sabalenka has won three of the last Slams that have taken place.

Additionally, her current winning streak of 15 straight victories has tied her previous career best. Right now, everything seems to be perfect in the 26-year-old’s career.

“Well, I would say it sounds so nice and easy, the place where everyone wants to be. But I have made so many sacrifices during my career. Even though this year there were many difficult, very difficult moments for me. I have sacrificed a lot for these victories. I mean, it’s not easy to get to the point where you can win those big titles. It’s a lot of hard work, a lot of patience, a lot of mental work, physical work. It’s not that easy,” Sabalenka explained.

“When you can sacrifice a lot, work hard and get these victories, it’s the best feeling. You’re just living your best life. You’re excited to play your matches. You’re excited to take on the fight that awaits you. All those difficult situations on the track are no longer so difficult for you. You are happy to challenge yourself.”

Meanwhile, the top seed will battle Karolina Muchova in the Beijing quarter-finals. Last year, the Belarusian stunningly lost a 5-2 third-set lead to Muchova in the French Open semi-final, before losing again to the Czech a few months later in Cincinnati.

After losing twice to the 2023 French Open runner-up in their last two meetings, there is no doubt that Sabalenka will be determined to get revenge at the China Open.