Aryna Sabalenka is refusing to worry about her recent results as she prepares for her final event before the US Open.
The world number one will return to action at the Cincinnati Open as the top women’s seed. She won the tournament in 2024 before going on to lift her first US Open title a few weeks later.
Sabalenka has won three titles in 2026. However, she has not lifted a trophy since winning in Miami earlier this year.
Her recent results have also fallen below her usual standards.
The 28 year old suffered a fourth round exit in Toronto last week. She also went out in the fourth round at Wimbledon, where Naomi Osaka ended her run.
Sabalenka decided to clear her mind after those setbacks. She travelled to Mykonos with her fiance and her dog Ash and spent some time away from tennis.
“I wanted to stay away from tennis for a little bit so I could refresh, restart and be hungry again,” Sabalenka said.
She now wants to play without putting extra pressure on herself.
“I love this time, the lull between Grand Slams. There are no expectations. I’ll just go out there, compete and fight.”
Sabalenka has a strong record in Cincinnati. She has won 21 of her 28 matches at the tournament and knows what it takes to succeed there.
As one of the seeded players, she has received a bye in the first round. She will begin her campaign in the second round against Australian Talia Gibson or a qualifier.
Her plan for the tournament is clear.
“Compete, fight and enjoy. I have no fear,” she said.
Sabalenka also does not want to spend too much time thinking about her recent defeats.
“Every time I look back I get a little bit crazy and emotional. I try to focus on staying present and doing everything I can now.”
She admitted that she entered the summer with high hopes. Things did not go according to plan.
“This summer, I had huge expectations that I’d succeed in the tournaments, and I desperately wanted to. But my body stopped me from that, and some things didn’t really work my way.”
With the US Open approaching, Sabalenka now hopes a relaxed approach in Cincinnati can help her rediscover her best tennis.
