AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 17, 2024

Aryna Sabalenka

Press Conference

A. SABALENKA/B. Fruhvirtova

6-3, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: Aryna, congrats on the win. Give us an overview of the match, what it was like to play such a young opponent.

ARYNA SABALENKA: Yeah, she's incredible player for someone 16 years old. I mean, I think first six games was really great level, then I kind of step in and start playing little bit better.

What I saw that she didn't fell well. I wish her speedy recovery. Overall just happy with the win and happy to get through.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Straightforward openers for you. Does that make you more confident now or there's the chance you might feel a little too confident?

ARYNA SABALENKA: About what?

Q. About chances.

ARYNA SABALENKA: Chances?

Q. Two easy wins.

ARYNA SABALENKA: I mean, what a question. I don't know what to say. I mean, I'm not thinking about confidence. I'm just trying to play my best. If it goes to two sets, I'm happy to win it in two sets. If it's going to be three sets, I don't care. I just try to focus on myself and fight for every point.

It's not like these two matches give me confidence. It's tennis. You have to be ready for anything. I'm trying to focus on myself and focus on bringing the best tennis I can.

Q. There are a lot of rumors that the WTA Finals could be heading to Saudi Arabia. You played in Saudi Arabia. What was your experience?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Yeah, it was amazing experience actually. I expected something different. They treated us really well. It was really amazing atmosphere on the stadium. People are really like sport people there. They really like tennis. The atmosphere was incredible.

The level of hospitality was definitely way, way, way better than it was in Cancun. Yeah, I'm happy to go there.

Q. My question is about the Olympics. IOC decided for Belarusian athletes to compete as neutral athletes. Are you glad you can play or not happy because you can't officially represent your country?

ARYNA SABALENKA: I'm happy that they actually let us play there.

Q. Are you looking forward to the Olympics?

ARYNA SABALENKA: Yeah, of course. This is something what each athlete want to do well in. This is one of the goals. I'm really looking forward for the Olympics. Hopefully I'll be healthy and ready to compete there on a high level.