"I don't think about that": Sabalenka shuns comparisons with Serena Williams ahead of Rome Open

World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka has been on a hot streak this season, but insists she does not want to be compared to WTA legend Serena Williams.

Sabalenka, coming off a dominating victory at the 2023 Madrid Open, captured her maiden Grand Slam title at this year's Australian Open. The big-hitting Belarusian defeated the red-hot Iga Swiatek in the Madrid final, employing a mixture of power and finesse that overwhelmed the World No.1.

In a press conference ahead of the Rome Open, Sabalenka was compared to Williams and asked how she felt being compared to the American.

I don't know. I don't think about that," replied the 25-year old. "That sounds good, you know? I don't know. I'm not thinking about that. I'm not focusing on that.

"I'm just focusing on improving myself and getting better every day. Yeah, that's it. I'm not really thinking about that. It sounds crazy and it sounds good to be really strong."

Sabalenka will kick off her Rome campaign with a first round bye, before she faces either 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin or Spaniard Cristina Busca.