Aryna Sabalenka dismisses idea the Australian Open is just between her and Iga Swiatek, naming multiple rivals including Gauff and Rybakina.
MELBOURNE: World number one Aryna Sabalenka insists the Australian Open women’s title race is wide open and not merely a contest between herself and Iga Swiatek.
The Belarusian and Poland’s world number two share 10 Grand Slam titles between them. Sabalenka said multiple other players pose a serious threat at Melbourne Park.
“I think it’s actually not only about me and Iga,” she said. “There is Coco (Gauff), Elena (Rybakina), Jessica (Pegula). It’s not only about me and her, to be honest.”
Madison Keys also remains a contender after stunning Sabalenka to win her maiden Slam in last year’s final. Sabalenka admitted that defeat was tough but said she has moved on.
“That final was a tough one. She played incredible. Took me a little time to recover,” she said. “Coming into this Australian Open, I’m not really focusing on that result last year.”
Sabalenka believes her unusual pre-season preparation, which included an exhibition match against Nick Kyrgios, has left her ready. She said the high-intensity match was part of a plan to test her game.
“I had a great off-season, so I was really recovered and ready,” Sabalenka explained. “I had a great preparation. Then there was a really high-intensity match against Nick, which is also part of my preparation.”
Sabalenka begins her campaign against French wildcard Tian
