Sabalenka on coaching change after Linz title win

Aryna Sabalenka made it two titles in a row to end the season adding to her Ostrava victory with a title at the Upper Austria Ladies Linz defeating doubles partner Elise Mertens in the final.

For Sabalenka ultimately, she has been towards her best since a scare against Sara Sorribes Tormo in Ostrava and has promoted from within in her coaching set up.

The Belarusian who will be in the top 10 as a result of her latest win has promoted Anton Dubrov, a former hitting partner.

"It’s important for me that I was able to have success without Dmitry, because we worked together for such a long time, and I started winning with him.

It was tough to make the decision to split because in the beginning, I was questioning myself and whether it was the right thing. Anton has really helped me a lot to go through this process, and now I feel very confident working with him. This is definitely good for us to be successful, and so we’ll keep working and pushing hard to win more matches."

For the 22-year-old as well it is all about changing her mindset going forward and seeing it more as a job and acting more professional in the run up to tournaments.

"At Grand Slams, I would think about how big they are, and put a lot of pressure on myself. I’ll try not to do that again, and know that everything I have to do is just go on court, bring my level, and give everything I have.

"That’s what I’ll focus on, on what I can control. Before, I would try to control everything, and overthink too much. Clearly, that wasn’t working."

"I decided that this is my job, and I just need to do everything I work on in practice. That helps me be more professional and more consistent on the court.

"Hopefully it’s going to work. If not, I’ll have to change again!"