"Everyone is looking to take Aryna Sabalenka out": From hunter to the hunted believes Coco Vandeweghe as Belarusian aims to match stellar 2023
WTAThursday, 04 January 2024 at 07:00
Following her splendid 2023 season, Aryna Sabalenka now has a huge target on her back and will face new challenges this season, according to former US Open doubles champion Coco Vandeweghe.
Sabalenka achieved several milestones in 2023, beginning the year with her maiden Grand Slam singles title win at the Australian Open. The Belarusian would reach at least the semifinals at every Major that year, and even held onto the World No.1 ranking for a brief period of time after the US Open, before ending the year ranked as World No.2.
Players will be gunning for Sabalenka this season, says Vandeweghe
In a recent episode of the Tennis Channel Live podcast, Vandeweghe spoke about the challenges awaiting Sabalenka during the 2024 season. The retired American player stated it would be difficult for Sabalenka to defend points as a top player, as several players will be aiming to take her out.
"I think this is going to be a big task for Aryna to see how she matches the great season she had last year," said Vandeweghe. "It's always difficult to follow up those big results. It's never easy, always defending points. You're constantly facing a big target on your back, and it's always difficult as a top player—the top seed leading tournaments. Everyone is looking to take you out, but I'm excited to see what she brings out in this 2024 season."
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