Big favorite for the final of the Australian Open which will pit her against Madison Keys this Saturday morning (from 9:30 a.m.), Aryna Sabalenka was questioned at a press conference about this dangerous opponent who had caused her a lot of problems in the semi‐finals of the US Open 2023 (victory in the super tie‐break after 2h35 of play).
Excerpts from the press conference.
Question : As for Madison Keys, I think back to the match you played against her at the US Open, which was incredibly close. What are your memories of that evening and how did you feel in front of her?
Aryna Sabalenka : Yes, I was under so much pressure. I had the impression that she was playing her shots and everything was coming in. She crushed everything. I think at times she started to ask questions. I saw it and I was like, 'Okay, it's time to make sure we return as many balls as possible.' I think it was the crucial moment. I just changed things. But yes, she played incredible and aggressive tennis in the semi‐final. I think the conditions suit him very well there.
Q. Is she the only player who did this to you? Usually, you're the one who's aggressive.
Sabalenkla: Yes, I mean, yes (laughs). She hit too hard and everything came in.
Published on Friday January 24, 2025 at 6:40 p.m.
