Imagine facing one of the most turbulent stretches of your career, constantly on the back foot, battling a series of challenges. For many athletes, such moments can break their resolve and cast a shadow over their performances. But Aryna Sabalenka? She’s built differently. The Belarusian star has had her share of roadblocks this season. Yet, instead of being weighed down by these setbacks, Sabalenka not only rose up the ranks but also clinched two Grand Slam titles in a single season. As she moves forward, Sabalenka reflects on the rollercoaster of a season that tested her like never before.

The World No. 2 engaged in an interview on the WTA Insider podcast on September 8, following her sensational win over Jessica Pegula at the US Open final. She reflected on several factors including her performances at the US Open, and the setbacks she faced throughout the season. Sabalenka claimed that these challenges not just strengthened her resilience, but also made her victories yet more beautiful.

Speaking in the interview, Sabalenka said, “This one is very special because of so many things I had to overcome in the past and especially this season and still be able to compete at my highest level and to get this beautiful trophy. After you fighting something on and off the court then and facing like so many challenges and then at the end you are still getting this trophy, it is sweeter.” Indeed, the WTA star witnessed immense struggle not just on the courts, but outside of it as well. 

For the unversed, Sabalenka’s ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov died by suicide in March this year.  While many believed that the two were dating during the unfortunate incident, Sabalenka eventually revealed that they had broken up long before the incident. However, she had claimed that her heart was broken after hearing the news. “Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy, and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken,” she had said. Besides this, a troubling injury further fueled her problems. 

The Belarusian player had to take a short hiatus following her quarterfinal exit from Berlin after she suffered a shoulder injury. This also forced her to withdraw from the Wimbledon Open. Remember, Sabalenka had an impressive record of never retiring from a game in over 550 matches that she played in her career during the time of injury. But despite the setbacks, the star player has now returned with immense zeal and motivation. But despite the series of setbacks, Sabalenka did not fail to remain motivated. 

‘Always trying to stay positive,’ Aryna Sabalenka reflects on her optimistic side

Aryna Sabalenka has proved that despite the series of troubles she faced, she has remained motivated and the US Open victory, is just an example of the same. Speaking in the same interview, Sabalenka said, “I am the person who is always trying to stay positive and when I didn’t feel my best at Wimbledon I had to pull out.” The Belarusian star also said that she prefers taking adequate breaks and returning to courts with added enthusiasm. 

Chatting further in the interview, Sabalenka said, “I just always take a step back and try to enjoy off-court life and try to enjoy every moment because you never know what is going to happen tomorrow.” For now, she is focusing on continuing her performance and retaining the World No. 1 spot from Iga Swiatek.

As the season progresses ahead, it would be interesting to see if Sabalenka can continue to overcome the woes and continue to shine brightly at the professional level.