WTA FINALS

November 15, 2021

Aryna Sabalenka

Press Conference

M. SAKKARI/A. Sabalenka

7-6, 6-7, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Aryna, can you just walk us through your thoughts on the match tonight.

ARYNA SABALENKA: Well, I had a lot of opportunities and I didn't use it. So really disappointed with my level in the end of the season and with my serve. I guess I will work a lot on my serve in the pre-season, yeah.

But anyway this season was the best season in my career so far. Yeah, I just want to finish this season on positive note, so hopefully next season will be even better.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. On your serve tonight, did you feel like those double-faults, your inability to serve out the sets, was tightness? Any issues with your shoulder?

ARYNA SABALENKA: I just couldn't find my rhythm. The whole match I was, like, really struggling with my serve. On some moment I found it, and on some moment I couldn't do anything with my serve.

So, yeah, it's tough match. Just crazy how bad I was serving I would say on the last matches, I mean, especially this week. I guess a lot of work in the pre-season I will do.

Q. Can you reflect at all on what you've been able to accomplish this year? Does this week put a damper on it or can you set it aside quickly as you get ready for 2022?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Well, yeah, this season I was doing well. I was working a lot on myself, on everything. I improved a lot. I would say this week I didn't play well at all. I was just trying to put the ball back anyhow. I was out of the rhythm, so I didn't play my well. Tough to say anything.

Yeah, hopefully in the next season I will improve myself even more and do even better.

Q. Apart from the result, could you soak up some of the atmosphere? How did you live the atmosphere?

ARYNA SABALENKA: It was amazing atmosphere. Thank you so much for all those people who support us so good. It was amazing. I mean, I was enjoying every second on court.

I really love Mexico. I really love fans here. Thank you so much for the support. They just amazing.

Q. You had a bit of a twitch with your ankle at the beginning of the third set. Did it play any part in the game?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Not really. I just twisted a little bit. Overall it was fine.

Q. I don't know how much you are so tuned into the match and blocking things out, how much you're hearing, but at one point the crowd was chanting your name loudly. Have you ever experienced something like that? Did that amp you up or did you have to block it out to keep focus?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Yeah, this time I was really focused on the match. Few times I kind of asked them for support. Overall after the last match they kind of, I don't know, maybe they also enjoyed this. Yeah, this time, I mean, they were doing everything to support me. There is nothing I could ask them for.