OMNIUM BANQUE NATIONALE

August 12, 2021

Aryna Sabalenka

Press Conference

A. SABALENKA/R. Marino

6-1, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Can you please just walk us through the match and tell us how you thought your performance was out there today.

ARYNA SABALENKA: Yeah, it was tough match. I saw her game yesterday against Badosa, so I prepared myself really well for this one because she played so well in that match.

Yeah, I'm really happy with my performance today, yeah.

Q. What did you know about Rebecca and her story before today's game? What was your game plan to beat her?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Well, I knew that she's serving quite well and she tried to move opponent, like, wide on the court, make sure she can change directions.

Yeah, my plan was just to put pressure on her, to stay aggressive, and don't give her so much time for any decisions, try to put every return back.

So, yeah, that's was my plan.

Q. Being the No. 1 seed in the tournament, facing a girl playing in her own country who really has nothing to lose, is there a danger in a match like this according to you?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Well, that's why I was focused from the beginning till the end. For her, was nothing to lose today. The crowd was supporting her. She kind of was in a good shape and in a good mood. I was trying to didn't give her any opportunities to come back in the match or even to put any pressure on me. I was kind of aggressive from the beginning till the end. I was really focused today.

But, yeah, it's dangerous to play against players for whom it's like nothing to lose. So, yeah, really happy with this win.

Q. About tomorrow's match against Victoria, I was wondering if there's any vibe facing her because you're from the same country? How do you feel about facing Victoria? Is there a particular feeling playing against her for you?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Well, we played a lot already. She's a great player. It's always tricky matches against her.

But maybe of course because we're from the same country it may be a little pressure I would say on both maybe. I don't know how she feel. I feel like maybe it's a little pressure.

But I like to play against her. It's always great battles. Looking forward for this match.

Q. Does the heat affect you in Montreal? Do you do something different when it's hot and humid like this?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Well, after Tokyo, for me it's fine. I don't feel that much. I don't know, I don't feel that much actually. For me, here is fine (smiling).

Q. How much is doubles helping you with your singles game? Are you specifically looking to doubles for some specific area or are you just playing doubles because you love playing doubles for the sake of it? What is your target with doubles?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Well, I felt like I can play a lot more on the net on singles matches, so that's why I'm playing doubles, to kind of find this game on the net. Doubles, it's a good game for improving my return game.

But mostly because of the volleys.