Facetious: Sabalenka gives journalist a serve for 'extra pressure'

Belarus’ tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has pointed out a journalist for putting her under pressure during the China Open. The 26-year-old is already regarded as one of the best players currently playing in women’s tennis in the singles category along with the likes of Poland’s Iga Swiatek and America’s Coco Gauff.

Sabalenka is currently taking part in the China Open, where she booked her place in the fourth round after beating America’s Ashlyn Krueger in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-2. That win set her up for a mouthwatering contest against another American player — Madison Keys, where she will be looking to equal her career-best record of 15 straight wins.

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The Minsk-born star spoke to the media ahead of the contest where a journalist asked her about the pressure that comes with being the top-seeded player in the competition. In response to that, Sabalenka pointed out that it was the journalist who is putting her under pressure and stated that she never thinks about such things. The current world number two also stated that she is just trying to focus on her job.

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"You're the one who's putting pressure on me," said laughing Sabalenka. "Before, like, this question come up, I didn't even think about that. I don't know. Maybe like in the past it was some sort of pressure. Nowadays, I'm not focusing on that. It's just the ranking. You can be world No. 1, and if you're not bringing your best tennis, like, you're not going to win the match. Every time you're on the court, you have to bring your best tennis. If it's not the best tennis, you have to fight for every point. Nowadays I'm just trying to focus on myself, on improving myself every day, and staying calm on court, just trying to bring my best fight spirit on court. Yeah, it's all about that I think. Yeah, I'm not focusing on that. But, I mean, right now because you asked this question, I'm going to think about that. Oh, my God, I need to get better in that stat. Thank you. No, I'm kidding.”