Aryna Sabalenka says she is ‘happy’ to see high-ranked players winning titles after admitting women’s tennis has been lacking consistency among their top names.
The Belarusian world No.2 will return to action this week at the Dubai Tennis Championships which will be her first event since the Australian Open. At Melbourne Park, she became the first female player to defend their title in over a decade. However, only three out of the world’s top 10 made it through to the quarter-final stage or better at the first Grand Slam of this season.
The top stars have faired better at other events. World No.1 Iga Swiatek won the Doha Open, reigning US Open champion Coco Gauff was triumphant in Auckland at the start of the year and world No. 4 Elena Rybakina has already won two titles.
“I’m happy to see the top players constantly there, winning the titles. I think that’s something women’s tennis was missing.” Sabalenka told reporters in Dubai on Sunday.
“I think it’s amazing to have this game. Like you’re at the top and you’re competing with the top players. It’s not like you know another top player going to drop and you’re waiting for them to fail and see.
“I’m happy to see this consistency. I hope I can continue what I’m doing, and I’m not going to be the top player that can drop the level.”
As for her rivalry with the others, Sabalenka is relishing the challenges they pose to her. She has not lost a match to a player ranked outside the top 10 since August and her last defeat to a player ranked 20th or below at the time was at the French Open. Coincidentally both of those losses were against Karolina Muchova.
“I love to face really tough challenges in the last stages of the tournaments. I think, like, every final I play against Jelena or Iga, it’s always a great battle.” She said.
“I always enjoy fighting. After, when you get the win, you feel better, like you faced the challenge, you kind of went through it, you get the title. It’s more enjoyable.”
The 25-year-old will be hoping to add to her trophy collection at the Dubai Tennis Championships where she has reached the quarter-final stage in two out of the past three years. She is the second seed in this year’s draw after Swiatek.
“My mindset is to keep doing what I’m doing, keep fighting, keep working. After my career, to look back and think, ‘Whoa, I was able to achieve that. That’s crazy,” Sabalenka explained.
“I’m not the type of person that is going to win something and stop. Like I said, I’m addicted to wins. I felt like it’s just something in my blood and I keep doing, keep working, and hopefully keep winning.”
Sabalenka will play her opening match in Dubai against Croatia’s Donna Vekic.
