Aryna Sabalenka, the Belarusian tennis sensation, has been on a roll in 2024, winning four major tournaments, including the Australian Open, WTA 1000 Cincinnati, US Open, and WTA 1000 Wuhan. Her impressive performance has earned her the top spot in the WTA rankings, with a comfortable lead of over 1100 points ahead of Iga Świątek.
Sabalenka’s success is not just limited to her on-court performances. She has also made headlines for her candid responses to fan queries on social media. In a recent Q&A session on Instagram, her sparing partner, Andrej Wasileuski, revealed that her calm demeanor during matches can be attributed to „herbal tea with chamomile, Ashwagandha, and a lot of alcohol.” This surprising answer has raised eyebrows, but Sabalenka has always been open about her team’s celebrations after major wins.
In fact, after her US Open victory last season, Sabalenka revealed that her team had a grand celebration, with plenty of drinking involved. „We’ll drink a lot,” she said in a post-match interview. And, indeed, they did. According to Sabalenka, her team consumed an impressive amount of alcohol, with some team members getting quite intoxicated.
Sabalenka’s rise to the top has not been without its challenges, though. She has faced stiff competition from Iga Świątek, who was the previous world No. 1. However, their rivalry has taken a positive turn, with the two tennis stars even sharing a light-hearted TikTok video during the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
Despite the intense competition, Sabalenka remains committed to Clean Sports, distancing herself from the recent doping controversy surrounding Świątek. Her focus on fair play has earned her the respect of the tennis community, and she has been crowned the WTA Player of the Year.
Former tennis star, Dinara Safina, has praised Sabalenka and Świątek for their consistent performances throughout the season. „In my time, there were more stable players like Serena and Venus Williams, Lindsay Davenport, Amelie Mauresmo, Justine Henin, Maria Sharapova, and Kim Clijsters. Now, we have Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, but they are not as stable. Only Sabalenka and Świątek have played almost the entire season without any major setbacks,” Safina said.
As Sabalenka prepares to defend her title at the Australian Open in January, she will be looking to maintain her winning formula, both on and off the court. With her team’s celebrations often making headlines, it will be interesting to see how she balances her personal and professional life.
In conclusion, Aryna Sabalenka’s remarkable season has cemented her position as one of the top tennis players in the world. Her dedication to the sport, combined with her laid-back approach to celebrations, has won her many fans. As she looks to the future, we can expect more thrilling performances from this tennis superstar.
Key Statistics:
* Aryna Sabalenka’s 2024 season: 4 major tournament wins, 1100+ points lead in WTA rankings
* Australian Open 2024: January 12-26
* Sabalenka’s current WTA ranking: World No. 1
Sources:
* WTA (Women’s Tennis Association)
* Tennis.com
* ESPN
* The Guardian
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