### Aryna Sabalenka on Iga Świątek’s Grand Slam Tally Ahead of Australian Open Title Defense: “I’m Focusing on Myself”
As Aryna Sabalenka prepares to defend her Australian Open title in 2024, her perspective on her career and her competition has evolved into one of self-focus and determination. The Belarusian player, whose stunning victory at the Australian Open in 2023 marked a significant turning point in her career, is keeping her eye on her own growth rather than the achievements of others, including rival Iga Świątek.
In an exclusive interview, Sabalenka spoke candidly about her approach to the upcoming season, her rivalry with Świątek, and her thoughts on the race for Grand Slam titles. While she acknowledges the Polish world No. 1’s dominance, Sabalenka’s mentality has shifted from comparing herself to others to solely concentrating on improving her own game.
#### **A New Mindset: “Focusing on Myself”**
Sabalenka’s breakthrough Grand Slam victory in Melbourne was a career-defining moment. It not only lifted her to new heights in the tennis world, but it also served as a catalyst for a more grounded and strategic mindset. Reflecting on the past, Sabalenka admits that previous years were marked by moments of self-doubt, particularly in the Grand Slam arena. However, after a series of solid performances and a growing belief in her abilities, she now realizes that the key to success lies in prioritizing her own development rather than fixating on her rivals’ successes.
“When I was younger, I was always looking at other players’ results and comparing myself to them. It made me feel like I was always chasing someone else’s accomplishments. But I’ve learned that to reach my full potential, I need to stop focusing on what others are doing, including Iga,” Sabalenka explains with a thoughtful tone. “She is an incredible player, and I respect everything she has achieved, but now I believe the only person I can control is myself. If I can work on my own game and focus on what I need to do, everything will fall into place.”
Sabalenka’s decision to step away from comparing herself to Świątek and other top contenders is also a product of maturity. After her successful Australian Open campaign, Sabalenka is more confident in her own abilities and less worried about her rivals’ performances. Her recent success has given her the belief that she is capable of achieving great things on the biggest stages, without being weighed down by the pressure to match or exceed the accomplishments of players like Świątek.
#### **Iga Świątek’s Grand Slam Dominance**
Though Sabalenka is now focused entirely on her own growth, it would be impossible to ignore the shadow cast by Iga Świątek, who has firmly established herself as the dominant force in women’s tennis. Since winning the 2020 French Open, Świątek has amassed a slew of major titles, including multiple Roland Garros crowns and a U.S. Open title. With her relentless consistency, exceptional skills, and mental toughness, Świątek has quickly become a benchmark in women’s tennis, a place where Sabalenka is eager to stake her claim.
However, Sabalenka’s narrative surrounding Świątek is one of respect rather than rivalry. The Belarusian understands that to beat players like Świątek, she must elevate her game consistently. Despite the formidable challenge Świątek represents, Sabalenka remains optimistic about her ability to compete and beat her.
“Iga is amazing, and she has proven time and again that she’s one of the best,” Sabalenka said, her voice laced with admiration. “But I know that on any given day, if I play my best tennis, I can beat her. It’s all about consistency and being able to bring my A-game to every match. If I can do that, I’m not afraid of anyone.”
In 2023, Sabalenka’s confidence grew, particularly with her ability to perform under pressure. While Świątek has a reputation for dominating the French Open and establishing her superiority on clay, Sabalenka has been steadily proving that she is a force on all surfaces, with her big-serving and power-based game. Her win in Australia last year gave her the boost she needed to keep pace with the top players, and Sabalenka believes this foundation will allow her to challenge Świątek and other top competitors on a more consistent basis.
“At the end of the day, tennis is not just about who has more Grand Slam titles or who is No. 1,” Sabalenka reflects. “It’s about evolving as a player, pushing your boundaries, and staying true to your own game. Iga is just a player I have to beat like anyone else, and right now, my focus is on improving myself.”
#### **Sabalenka’s Path to Success**
Looking back at 2023, Sabalenka is proud of her growth, especially her ability to silence the doubters who questioned whether she could win a Grand Slam. Her game, which was once criticized for inconsistency, has now become a blueprint for aggression and precision, featuring a massive serve, powerful groundstrokes, and a more composed approach in critical moments. Her title at the Australian Open showed the tennis world that Sabalenka was capable of managing pressure and handling the expectations that come with competing for major titles.
“I knew that I had the game to win a Grand Slam, but it was all about putting it together and staying mentally strong,” Sabalenka admits. “Winning in Melbourne was huge for me because it proved that I could do it. Now, I just want to continue building on that success. Each day is a new opportunity to improve.”
As she heads into the 2024 Australian Open, Sabalenka’s growth is evident, both in terms of her technical game and mental fortitude. There is a strong sense of inner belief that drives her forward, and this mindset has been key to her consistency and ability to challenge for major titles.
“I’m not thinking about Grand Slam numbers or comparing myself to others. I just want to be the best version of myself,” Sabalenka states. “That’s how I’m approaching 2024, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”
#### **The Road Ahead: Defending the Title**
As the Australian Open approaches, Sabalenka’s goal is clear: defend her title and show that her 2023 victory was not a fluke. She’s aware of the challenges that lie ahead, with players like Świątek, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula all in the mix for major titles. However, Sabalenka has made it clear that she won’t let the pressure of expectations hinder her. Instead, she remains focused on herself, her game, and the process of continual improvement.
“I know I’m a target now because of my success last year, but that’s a good thing,” Sabalenka reflects. “It means I’ve earned respect, and now I have to prove that I can keep delivering. But I’m not putting unnecessary pressure on myself. I’m just focusing on doing what I do best.”
As for the race for Grand Slam titles, Sabalenka is realistic yet optimistic. While Świątek’s success cannot be ignored, Sabalenka understands that tennis is a long game, and her time will come if she continues to put in the hard work. “I’m not worried about the numbers. I’m worried about my journey,” she says with a confident smile.
As she gears up to defend her title in Melbourne, Sabalenka remains one of the sport’s most formidable competitors. With a sharp focus on herself and the process, the Belarusian is poised to make 2024 another year of significant achievements, whether or not she matches or exceeds the Grand Slam tally of her peers. The future, for Aryna Sabalenka, is in her hands.
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