THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 8, 2023

Aryna Sabalenka

Press Conference

A. SABALENKA/A. Blinkova

6-2, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Welcome to the press conference for Aryna Sabalenka.

Aryna, your initial thoughts on today's match.

ARYNA SABALENKA: It was a tough match. Anna played unbelievable tennis. I'm super happy to be in this match, especially the seventh game in the second set was really tight. Yeah, I'm happy with the results.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Two matches in two days. How did you feel physically?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Yeah, I felt good. I had enough time to do my recovery. Yeah, feeling really good.

Q. Second on Court 1, as well. Immediately you were in your range.

ARYNA SABALENKA: I mean, I didn't quite get the question. I'm second. Yesterday I kind of tried to adjust to the court. It's still a little bit different. Yeah, today I knew all the little things on the court. I felt like everything was under control.

Q. Different players come into tournaments saying, I want to get to the second week, I don't want to think about the trophy or the championship until then. When do you start thinking about the championship? Has that taken place already?

ARYNA SABALENKA: I mean, it's always going to be in your mind. You always thinking about that because this is something you really want to get. This is your dream.

I'm not trying to -- like before I tried to ignore these thoughts in my head. Now I kind of -- I mean, I'm not trying to fight this thought. I'm just working through it, trying to focus on my game. Trying to tell myself that if I'm going to focus on my game and I'm going to be there consistently on a high level, I'm going to win this one.

It's helping to stay focused in the moment.

Q. What are your thoughts about your next match against somebody you've had a tough time with before? What are the keys to it?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Yeah, we played many times against each other. Always tough, tough matches. Very close ones.

Yeah, I think the main thing is if I'm going to focus on myself, I'm going to fight for every point, don't go crazy on court, like play with belief in myself, I think I have huge chances to win that match.

Q. How would you describe her?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Very aggressive player. Super flat, fast balls coming from her. Very aggressive. Serving well. Moving well. Hitting really clean shots.

Yeah, she's tough opponent to play against.

Q. Two years ago when you made the semifinals first time at a Grand Slam, now three in a row, how much belief did you get two years ago? Was that the moment you felt you could do it?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Yeah, I have really great memories from here. It was my first breakthrough. I was very, very emotional. Not emotional, I was very happy two years ago to be able to get to the second week.

Yeah, since that I kind of had more belief in myself in the Grand Slams. I don't think anymore about second week of the Grand Slam, you know? I kind of felt a little relief after that breakthrough.

Q. No celebrating?

ARYNA SABALENKA: I'm still happy. It's still a little celebration because of making the second week. But the goal is to go as far as I can. I'm, like, trying to stay focused.

Q. About the trophy and the championship, what images do you have in your mind of championship ceremonies at Wimbledon and what makes them special?

ARYNA SABALENKA: I mean, I think Wimbledon, it's a special place. I don't know. I feel it's more history behind it. I mean, the Royal family is here. It's just different, you know? It's bigger than anywhere else.