Aryna Sabalenka reveals key to her Grand Slam mentality after impressive Wimbledon win
Aryna Sabalenka winning early Grand Slam matches almost seems like a formality these days.
The world No 1 did not have an easy time of things at Wimbledon on Wednesday, with Czech opponent Marie Bouzkova serving for the first set after a late break of serve.
However, once Sabalenka broke back and won the ensuing tiebreak, there was a strong sense she was back in control, and an early break of serve in set two was enough to seal a 7-6(4), 6-4 triumph.
Victory for the 27-year-old followed a round one triumph over qualifier Carson Branstine, in which she navigated a challenging second set before prevailing 6-1, 7-5 against the Canadian.
With two wins to her name so far, Sabalenka has maintained one of her most impressive streaks.
The Belarusian was beaten by compatriot Victoria Azarenka in the second round of the US Open back in 2020, but has not lost before the third round of any of the 17 majors she has played since then.
That consistency is a key reason as to why the 27-year-old has now spent 44 weeks and counting as the world No 1, though it wasn’t always the case.
Sabalenka reached the third round in just three of her first 12 Grand Slam main draw appearances, often falling early even after she started racking up titles on the WTA Tour.
Now, few can come close to her rampant consistency, and, asked by Tennis365 about her approach, the Belarusian revealed how she had developed such an impressive record.
“Well, I think mainly I’m just trying to focus on myself,” said Sabalenka.
“I know that if I’ll be focusing on myself and if I’ll be there fighting for every point, I know that I have big chances to get through.
“Before I would get too nervous, I would think about everything outside of tennis, outside of that court. Nowadays, I’m just trying to play point by point.
“I’m trying to just take it one step at a time basically.”
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Sabalenka’s progress through the first two rounds contrasts with many of her contemporaries, with 23 seeds out in the opening round alone across the women’s and men’s draws.
Second seed Coco Gauff, who has beaten the Belarusian in two major finals, and third seed Jessica Pegula both crashed out of the bottom half of the draw on Tuesday.
In the top half headlined by Sabalenka, the likes of fifth seed Zheng Qinwen and ninth seed Paula Badosa have also already been beaten.
Some players may quietly enjoy their biggest rivals falling on, but for Sabalenka, who is so motivated by the biggest stages, it is something of a disappointment.
“Honestly, it is sad to see so many upsets in the tournament, in both actually draws, girls’ and men’s. It’s sad to see,” added Sabalenka. “Honestly, I’m just trying to focus on myself. Of course, I know about all of these upsets.
“I think it’s really important to focus on yourself and to take it one step at a time, do not really look at the draw. This is something what can create a lot of nerves and a lot of doubts and stuff.
“I’m just trying to take it one step at a time. As I said earlier, I know if I’m focused, if I’m there, if I’m fighting, I know I’m going to have my chance in each match.
“I’m just trying to take it one step at a time.”
Sabalenka is guaranteed to face a Grand Slam champion next, with either Emma Raducanu or Marketa Vondrousova waiting in round three.
Neither match would be an easy one, with the world No 1 having lost to Vondrousova in Berlin just two weeks ago.
However, there is no denying she is a bigger and better player than most at the majors, and her supreme “focus” looks set to power her further through the draw.
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