Aryna Sabalenka, the talented Belarusian tennis player, has recently overcome a challenging period in her career, marked by the death of her former boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, and her subsequent struggle to cope with the emotional aftermath. Reflecting on her experiences, Sabalenka revealed that she should have taken a break from the sport immediately after Koltsov’s passing, but instead, she continued to play, which took a significant toll on her mental and physical well-being. Despite her desire to push through the pain, Sabalenka’s body and mind eventually gave in, forcing her to withdraw from the French Open due to illness and later pull out of Wimbledon with a shoulder injury.
The break from tennis proved to be a crucial step towards Sabalenka’s recovery, as she acknowledged that it allowed her to recharge and focus on rebuilding her mental strength. During her time away from the sport, Sabalenka realized that she had been overplaying and carrying excessive emotional baggage, which had been weighing her down on the court. Her recent win at the Cincinnati Open, which marked her return to the professional circuit, serves as a testament to her renewed dedication and determination.
Sabalenka is now focused on the upcoming US Open, where she will be seeking to achieve success after her mental break. She has set her sights on winning the coveted title and believes that her recent experiences have prepared her for the challenge ahead. Talking about her mental state, Sabalenka stated, “I think definitely after this year mentally I will become even stronger. I felt like there was no gap to get stronger mentally than I am at the moment. But things showed me that actually there is way to improve.” Her words convey a sense of resilience and determination, underscoring her commitment to overcoming her struggles and emerging stronger from them.
Aryna Sabalenk (Image via Getty)
Meanwhile, Sabalenka’s opponent from last year’s US Open final, Coco Gauff, has expressed her own concerns about returning to the site of her greatest triumph. Gauff has confessed to feeling pressure and stress related to the memory of her victory, as she struggles to balance her expectations with the fear of repeating her success. A comment from a fan on social media,which read, “Why stress yourself out over it, you’ve won literally and figuratively. Why stress yourself out over a victory lap?” seems to have provided Gauff with a new perspective. This remark has helped her to change her outlook, realizing that no one can take her victory away from her and that she should focus on building on her achievements rather than stressing about repeating them.
As the US Open approaches, reigning world number one Iga Swiatek has expressed her own expectations, stating that they are lower this year compared to last year. Swiatek acknowledged that the intense season has taken a toll on her focus and energy levels, but she is determined to maintain a positive mindset and concentrate on improving her game rather than worrying about the results.
Sabalenka’s remarkable journey highlights the importance of mental strength and resilience in professional sports. Her experiences serve as a testament to the fact that even the most talented and driven athletes can struggle with personal and emotional challenges. By acknowledging and addressing these issues, Sabalenka has emerged stronger and more determined, readied to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
