Sabalenka shared her thoughts on not having played in the Arthur Ashe Stadium
yet after three matches at the
US Open.
As the
world No. 2, Sabalenka entered the tournament as one of the favorites to win
and claim her second Grand Slam title. Being the second seed, it was expected
that she would be one of the attractions on the main court. However, up to this
point,
Aryna Sabalenka has played all her matches in the Louis Armstrong Stadium.
This is the
second-biggeest stadium at the USTA National Tennis Center and hosted
Sabalenka's matches against Maryna Zanevska, Jodie Anna Burrage, and Clara
Burel, all of which she won comfortably, averaging only four games lost per
match.
During a
press conference, she discussed her feelings after three matches without
playing in the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"I
mean, of course I have noticed that. Of course I would like to play on Ashe.
It's [a] different atmosphere. Louis Armstrong giving me so much support and I
like playing there, but yeah, I hope that next match will be on Ashe:
“No
pressure. I feel good on Louis. Feel good on Ashe. It's, yeah, whatever.”
Sabalenka
will play the next round against the 13th seed
Daria Kasatkina, who is having a
strong showing at the US Open in her career. The Russian world No. 13 has
reached the fourth round only for the second time in her career (the first time
was in 2017) and is getting closer to returning to the top 10:
“Yeah,
always tricky matches against her,” said Sabalenka about her next opponent.
“She's
playing great tennis. Moving really well. Trying to get everything she can back
on that side.
“I feel
like I have to be focused and I don't have to overrush things against her. I
just have to stay calm and just wait for the opportunity and take it,"
Sabalenka concluded.