BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL

January 6, 2024

Aryna Sabalenka

Press Conference

A. SABALENKA/V. Azarenka

6-2, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Aryna, super strong from both of you guys today. Talk us through your thoughts on the match.

ARYNA SABALENKA: Yeah, I think it was a high-quality match. I think we both play really great tennis. Yeah, just super happy with the win. Wish her speedy recovery. I hope she's doing well.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. You've said for the last couple of games that you don't like to look past matches with this winning streak you're on. I would think going into a final there's a bit more context for that, or am I wrong?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Let's just say it's going to be great battle as always. Always great matches against Elena. Or do you mean today's match?

Q. Tomorrow's.

ARYNA SABALENKA: Okay, got it.

Q. You start the season very well here in Australia. How did you get yourself full of energy again at the start of the year, given the success you had last year, the number of matches you played, going to at least semifinals in all of the slams?

ARYNA SABALENKA: I think last year was incredible year for me. I think I had enough time to recharge, some time off. Great pre-season, enough time without playing any tournaments. Here I am ready to go and full of energy.

Yeah, hopefully I can just keep it up.

Q. You've played Elena seven times. Five of those have gone to three sets. What is it about each other's game that makes these matches so close?

ARYNA SABALENKA: I think we both serving really well. We both playing really super aggressive tennis. I think that's why all the matches are pretty tight. We both put each other under so much pressure. I think that's why it makes our matches really, really great battles.

Q. You have a special relationship with Vika. You would have been quite young when she first started winning. Any moment when you were a junior or on tour that you could elaborate on that you might remember, inspiration you had with her?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Well, I remember my first Fed Cup. She just came from winning Indian Wells and Miami. Yeah, was really great experience. It was great watching her play for Fed Cup, watching such high-level matches. I remember at that time thinking, I'm not sure if I'll be able to get on this level (smiling). But then after couple of years, I start playing better and better.

She just came back after giving birth and we played some matches. It's been kind of like long relationship going. So many great moments with Victoria. Always great matches against her.

Q. How difficult is it for you playing someone that's got a big weapon on the serve like Elena?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Yeah, I mean, that's definitely not easy to deal with such an aggressive serve. It's definitely putting you under so much pressure.

But I'm just trying to use all the opportunities I have on her serve and focus on my serve, make sure that I stay controlled and focused on my serve and see what happens on her serve.

But, yeah, it's definitely not easy to play against somebody who is serving big.

Q. Some players are very superstitious about having big matches right before a Grand Slam. Do you think that adds a bit of hype to this match or do you look at the tournaments as separate events?

ARYNA SABALENKA: I would say that every tournament is separated event. Like, doesn't matter who wins that match, it's not a guarantee that you're going to win that match in the next tournament. Every tournament, it's a new story. It's just a preparation before the big tournament.