Sabalenka is ‘addicted to winning’

Dubai – World No 2 Aryna Sabalenka said on Sunday she was “addicted to winning” and hungry for more major glory following her successful title defence at the Australian Open last month.

The Belarusian returns to action this week at the WTA 1000 in Dubai to contest her first tournament since her second Grand Slam triumph at Melbourne Park.

Sabalenka, who opens her Dubai campaign against Donna Vekic in round two, admits she is still “shocked” she was able to retain her title in Melbourne, describing it as a “dream”, but is already looking ahead in search of more silverware.

“My mindset is to keep doing what I’m doing, keep fighting, keep working. After my career, to look back and think, ‘Whoa, I was able to achieve that. That’s crazy’,” Sabalenka told reporters in Dubai.

“I’m not the type of person that is going to win something and stop. Like I said, I’m addicted to wins. I felt like it’s just something in my blood and I keep doing, keep working, and hopefully keep winning.”

After struggling to make it past the fourth round in her first 14 Grand Slam appearances, Sabalenka has now reached at least the semifinals in her last six consecutive majors, exhibiting incredible consistency at the highest level.

During that period, the 25-year-old has overcome serious serving woes and has undergone a mental transformation on court, exuding control and confidence after years of struggling.

Sabalenka has taken some time to celebrate her Australian Open triumph and says she is still feeling “emotional” about her victory but “it’s already in the past and I need to focus on the next one”. –