Ambitious Sabalenka puts ‘minor’ tournaments in their place

With an Australian Open title in her resume and semi-final finishes this season in Paris and London, Aryna Sabalenka has necessarily modified her career focus.

The WTA No. 2 revealed before the US Open that she now views many regular tour events as mere run-ups to the four Grand Slams.

“My perception of tournaments that are not Grand Slams has changed a bit,” she said.

“Of course, when I play them, my desire is to win them, like (everyone else).

“But now I see those tournaments more as preparation for the Grand Slams.”

Sabalena said January’s title performance in Melbourne over Elena Rybakina marked a change in her competitive focus

“Winning the Australian Open changed the feeling for me. I don’t know if it’s good or bad, I hope it’s good.”

Sabalenka said she is not preoccupied with the seemingly eternal chase to try and unseat Iga Swiatek from her longtime position atop the WTA rankings.

“It’s not something I’m thinking about during the tournament,” she said.  “I’ve had – and will probably have again – the chance to become No.1, 

“But there’s still a lot of work to do. I’m focusing more on myself than on ranking. 

“If I give my best tennis, if I do everything to the best of my ability, I will be able to achieve it. I’m trying to focus more on improving more every day.”