via Getty
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES – SEPTEMBER 09: Aryna Sabalenka (L) speaks after women’s singles final match against Coco Gauff (not seen) at US Open Championships at Billie Jean King Tennis Center in New York on September 9, 2023. Gauff won over Aryna Sabalenka in three sets, it was her first ever Grand Slam win. (Photo by Lev Radin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
via Getty
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES – SEPTEMBER 09: Aryna Sabalenka (L) speaks after women’s singles final match against Coco Gauff (not seen) at US Open Championships at Billie Jean King Tennis Center in New York on September 9, 2023. Gauff won over Aryna Sabalenka in three sets, it was her first ever Grand Slam win. (Photo by Lev Radin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Aryna Sabalenka‘s 2023 season was lauded by the entire tennis realm as she experienced a breakthrough. After winning her first Grand Slam singles title, the Belarusian tennis star was one step away from another major triumph. However, Sabalenka had to settle for a runner-up finish, as her phenomenal US Open campaign was ended by Coco Gauff. Reflecting on her heartbreaking defeat, the current number two player recently suggested how she has decided to leave those demons behind.
As witnessed by her recent performances at the Brisbane International, the reigning Grand Slam champion is looking all geared up for the forthcoming Australian Open. While talking about her preparations for the new season, Sabalenka recently revealed that she is making a lot of improvements after her US Open defeat against Gauff.
Aryna Sabalenka on her changed on-court approach after her defeat against Coco Gauff
The reigning Australian Open champion has started the new season with a bang, as she has already reached the semifinals of the Brisbane International. During her campaign in Brisbane, Aryna Sabalenka overcame some of the top-seeded players, like Daria Kasatkina and Zhu Lin, in straight sets.
Emphasizing her stellar performances, the current world No. 2 player was recently asked about how she has managed to make a lot of improvements to her game. In a press conference at the Brisbane International, Sabalenka said, “I mean, first of all, I’m working a lot on my serve. I still think there is a lot of things to improve on my serve. Secondly, after the tough match at the US Open when I lost against Coco.”
As she shed light on her heartbreaking defeat against the American tennis prodigy, Sabalenka asserted that she has now recognized her short approach shots. She added, “I tried to step in a little bit more on court, like, recognize the short approach shots, try to move forward instead of staying on the baseline.”
It was certainly a tough defeat for the Belarusian, as she has now decided not to repeat those same mistakes on the court. Aside from her short approach shots, do you know what went wrong for Sabalenka during her championship match against Gauff?
Sabalenka reveals the reason behind her US Open finals defeat
As she was playing in New York, Coco Gauff received the support of a jam-packed home crowd rooting for her. While it tuned out in the American tennis prodigy’s favor, Sabalenka had to experience a hostile environment.
Notably, the Belarusian recently opened up about how she could have won that championship game if she had received roaring support from the audience like she recently did in Brisbane. In her press conference, Sabalenka said, “Guys if I will have your support at the US Open probably I would win that one.”
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