THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 10, 2023

Aryna Sabalenka

Press Conference

A. SABALENKA/E. Alexandrova

6-4, 6-0

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

Great performance today. How does it feel to be through to the quarterfinals?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Yeah, it feels amazing. I'm super happy with the level I played today. Super happy to get this win.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. You've obviously got this great record on grass, doing well at Wimbledon. How do you have to adapt your game playing on this surface? Why do you think so many players struggle?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Yeah, the surface little bit faster. The bounce is a little bit lower. I have to stay much lower, use some touch game, more slices.

The only adjustment I made is, like, I'm trying to stay lower and just more aggressive, like take control in these first shots.

So, yeah, I think that's why it's a little bit tough for many of players.

Q. In terms of your priorities throughout the season, a lot of people don't put as much emphasis on the grass. Where does it rank for you?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Well, I think it's important to be good in each surface. I mean, I don't want to say that I prefer hard court, as well. But I think grass court give some - how to say - it's also helping you to improve your game for the hard court. You're dealing with these low, deep shots. On the hard court, it's a little bit easier to play because you feel like you have more time.

If you want to be in the top of the ranking, on the top of the ranking, so you have to be good in each surface. You cannot miss one surface just because you are preparing for the hard court, you know?

Q. Taking the decisive set without dropping a game is quite commendable, especially when it's done in this phase of the tournament. How does that come about? How do you manage to keep focused on such a high level after playing so many matches?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Well, actually it was a little surprise that I won that set that easily, especially against a player like Ekaterina, who is serving really well.

I lost very tough match in Paris leading 5-2. I was up with one break. So like today, I thought I'll just keep going, keep breaking her serve as much as I can so I give myself a little bit, like, a gap. I can serve even with more freedom.

Yeah, I'm just trying to build my game in each match I play.

Q. You're playing Madison Keys, but you could have been playing the 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva. What do you make of her progress?

ARYNA SABALENKA: She's amazing player. When I was 16, I was going crazy and I was hitting wrong targets all over the court, but not in court.

She's playing in really high level. I play her in Madrid. She's really great player, fighting for every point. I mean, definitely she's going to be a top player very soon. I'm really impressed with her game, with what she's doing in the woman's tennis. That's great. She's definitely going to be a really great player.

Q. Since you are playing Madison Keys, what are your thoughts on her game and the challenge she presents?

ARYNA SABALENKA: She's very aggressive player. Her forehand can be really annoying. She's hitting some really big shots from there. Serving really well. Playing pretty fast game.

She's really tough opponent to play against. I mean, I know it's going to be great battle. I'm really looking forward for this match.

Q. We've seen a couple photos of you and Novak. Can you talk about your relationship, what you talked about when you met him here?

ARYNA SABALENKA: She's [sic] a great guy, very nice guy. I can easily ask him for advice and he would give it to me. I really appreciate it.

It's really good to have someone like Novak, friend like someone like Novak. You can always ask for advice. I mean, I really appreciate for his help to me.

Q. Did you watch Azarenka's match last night, what you made of the reaction when she stepped off the court?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Yeah, it was great match. It was great level from both. I feel like she just missed a couple of very important points at the end of the third set.

I mean, that's really tough situation. As Elina said, I think someone have to come out on social media with the announcement that there is not going to be handshake so players will not leave court with so much hate.

Q. Do you think there should be an announcement made before the match so the crowd knows why there won't be a handshake at the end?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Probably, yeah. I mean, as I said, it would be good for the crowd to actually know what's going on. There is a reason behind no handshake.