Despite ‘Extra Pressure’ Admission, Martina Navratilova Backs Aryna Sabalenka to Defend Her Australian Open Crown

It is the moment that everyone has been waiting for, the Australian Open finals. After a series of fine performances, Aryna Sabalenka, who came in as the defending champion made her way into yet another grand slam final. However, this time, standing her way will be the Chinese superpower of Qinwen Zheng. In a match where the stakes involved are high, the slightest of mistakes can change the outcomes.

Both players might be having high pressure while coming into the match. Reflecting on the same, Martina Navratilova came ahead and talked about what Aryna Sabalenka might be feeling at the moment. Not only this, she also talked about what her chances are of winning the title yet again.

Martina Navratilova talks about how Aryna Sabalenka is feeling ahead of the Australian Open final

In a recent interview, Martina Navratilova shared insights into Aryna Sabalenka’s mindset ahead of the Australian Open final. Despite the added pressure of defending her title, Navratilova suggested that Sabalenka is more confident than ever. Having won the tournament a year ago, Sabalenka’s current form surpasses her performance from last year, both in skill and mental strength.

Navratilova praised Sabalenka’s growth and ability to handle pressure, making it challenging for her not to defend the title. With Sabalenka’s improved game and mental resilience, she stands as a strong contender in the final against Qinwen Zheng at the Australian Open 2024.

“Fantastic. You have extra pressure but then you have extra confidence as well because you have already done it and it’s not that long ago and Sabalenka, the way she is playing I say she is playing better than she was playing a year ago. and her brain is so much better she really embraces the pressure. So, she’s really grown a lot this year since she won the tournament. And it is really going to be hard for her to not defend,” said Navratilova about Sabalenka ahead of the finals.

Thus, Marina Navratilova came ahead and shared how Sabalenka might be feeling ahead of an emphatic final. While witnessing an improvement over the last year, she claimed her to be the real title contender.

Also read: Aryna Sabalenka Turns Candid on Boyfriend’s Simplistic Pep Talk That Became the Secret of Her Maiden Australian Open Crown

Interestingly, just like Martina Navratilova, former tennis legends Jim Courier and Lindsay Davenport also came ahead and shared their heartfelt opinion on whom they think could win the title.

Jim Courier and Lindsay Davenport predict their match winners

In a recent interview, the former tennis greats joined hands as they suggested who could win the Australian Open titles in the women’s category. Interestingly, both of them came ahead and said that the Belarusian beauty Aryna Sabalenka could be the real title favorite.

Thus, ahead of the final, the stakes are heavily on the world number 1 player. Having won the title last year, she is considered the top contender for the title this year as well. What are your views on this? Do let us know in the comments section!

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