“I learned how to make a Margarita. Someone wants? I’ll do it for you!” Sobolenko before the US Open
Elena Kuznetsova August 28, 2023, 13:15 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
The Belarusian tennis player told how cocktails interfered. And he evaluated his preparation for the start of the last Major of the season.
Arina Sabolenko gave a press conference before the start of the US Open 2023. In the first round, the Belarusian tennis player will play Marina Zanevskaya (the match will begin on the evening of August 30, Moscow time). The world number 2 was asked about making cocktails with Taylor Fritz, competing with Iga Swiatek for the top spot in the WTA rankings, lessons learned from tough losses, and attitude changes towards all other tournaments after winning the title at the start of the tournament. year in Australia.
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“Preparing cocktails is a lot of fun. I learned how to make a Margarita, does anyone want it?
– I’m glad to be back, I really enjoy playing at the US Open. I can’t wait for the tournament to start.
— In Cincinnati, Taylor Fritz and you made cocktails, how did it go? “My God, that was fun. Very funny. I learned to make daisies. If anyone wants a Margarita, I’ll make it for them. It is fun.
– The other day you trained with Coco Gauff, what can you say about her evolution? He’s been doing much better in the last three weeks. We practiced with her, she plays much better and showed great progress.
– In the last few weeks you have played three extremely difficult sets. What lessons have you learned from them and how will you apply them? — I showed great tennis, many good matches last week. This is what I needed before the US Open. I thought more about improving my game for the US Open and being ready for this tournament. I feel great. The lessons learned are to keep fighting no matter what, just keep working.
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“During the tournament I don’t think much about fighting for the lead in the standings”
– After winning the Major, do you see other tournaments differently, more as a preparation for the Slams? Yes, I have changed my approach in these tournaments. Of course, I want to win every tournament, like all of us. But yes, now I see these tournaments as a preparation for the Slams. After the Australian Open, the focus has changed a bit. I don’t know if this is good or bad. I hope it’s good. But what is, is.
– For the past few months you have been fighting with Iga for the title of the first racket. You have not yet managed to take the initiative. Do you think about it before the tournament, before the game, do you have it in your head? How to stop thinking about that when you go out on the pitch?I don’t have to get it out of my head because I don’t think about it much during the tournament or the matches. I know I had and probably will have a chance to become the first racket, but there is still a lot of work ahead of me. I am more focused on myself than on the rankings.
I know that if I show my best tennis, if I try, I can do it. I try to focus on my game and improve it.
“Physically I feel strong, mentally even stronger than before”
– This year, thanks to your success, you have played a large number of matches. How to find the balance with the necessary rest? Do you still feel at the right level physically and mentally? “Physically I feel very strong and mentally even stronger than before. Probably because of the number of games this year.
There must be a good balance between games, preparation and recovery. I have a physiotherapist and my team, they are good at dividing the time between training and recovery. I feel prepared both physically and mentally. I’m motivated and I feel great.
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– Talking about recovering from severe defeats. Ons said she wasn’t ready to play until several weeks after Wimbledon. She also suffered heavy losses in the semifinals of the last two majors. Did you need a break? Did it help you get back on the court? How did she deal with these defeats? – A break was definitely necessary, to forget about tennis for a while, at least a couple of days, so as not to get too upset.
I have a lot of experience. Both wins and losses in difficult matches. I learned that in those matches you don’t lose, but you learn to be stronger. I know that in the future big losses will help me win big games.
That’s why I have a short memory. Ok I lost, lesson learned, time to move on. I know that this match will help me in the future.
– There is a possibility that the WTA Finals will be held in Saudi Arabia this fall. what do you think about it? Will you go there if you qualify? “First of all, as far as I know, nothing has been confirmed yet. I always enjoy playing the WTA Finals. This year I want to perform a little better than last year. But now my attention is on the US Open. Whatever decision you make, I will gladly go anywhere (smiles).
