“It’s been a hell of a journey”: Aryna Sabalenka explains why she refuses to dwell on how far she has come
WTAFriday, 14 August 2026 at 00:30
Aryna Sabalenka arrives at the Cincinnati Open looking to rebuild confidence after a difficult Canadian Open campaign, while the fight for the WTA No. 1 ranking becomes increasingly tight. The Belarusian was eliminated by Ekaterina Alexandrova in the fourth round in Montreal, while Elena Rybakina’s run to the final further reduced Sabalenka’s advantage at the top.
Cincinnati therefore carries significance beyond another tournament on Sabalenka’s schedule. She is trying to regain momentum with the US Open only weeks away, where she will also have to defend her title, while the pressure surrounding her position at the top of the rankings continues to grow.
Yet Sabalenka's pre-tournament comments focused on something beyond rankings and results. Reflecting on her journey, she admitted that looking back at everything they have achieved together can still make her emotional, particularly after years of difficult moments and hard work.
That was also why Sabalenka said she prefers to remain focused on the present rather than constantly reflecting on how far she has come. After a season in which expectations have sometimes contributed to disappointment, the world No. 1 is now trying to approach the American hard-court swing with fewer expectations and a renewed focus on competing.
Sabalenka reveals the emotional cost of her journey
Sabalenka was then asked about a conversation with her coach, Jason, who had become emotional while discussing how much his life had changed during their seven years working together.
The journalist explained that he had reflected on the different rooms and experiences they now share as Sabalenka has risen to the top of the sport. “Oh, did you? Was it interesting?” Sabalenka asked.
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Told that her coach had been candid and emotional, Sabalenka immediately responded with a smile: “Oh, did he cry?”
The exchange then turned serious as Sabalenka was asked whether she herself had taken time to reflect on how much her life has changed.
“To be honest, I try, like... I don't want to stop and look back because every time I try to, I get completely crazy and emotional," she said. "It took a lot of work, a lot of tough moments, a lot of things to, you know, to go through. And it's been a journey. It's been a hell of a journey.”
Sabalenka said she would rather appreciate the opportunities in front of her than constantly measure how far she has come. Her career has included four Grand Slam titles, the No. 1 ranking and a series of difficult setbacks, but she believes the best time to reflect will come later.
“And I just, I feel like I'll be able to reflect at the end of my career to look back and like, wow, that was, that was amazing. Right now, I just, I feel like the best way for me is just to stay in the moment and to really enjoy every opportunity, every single moment without like really getting deep into like how beautiful my life is, you know.”
No expectations as Sabalenka tries to reset
That focus on the present is particularly important in Cincinnati. Sabalenka's defeat in Montreal came after a period in which expectations had become increasingly difficult to manage, and she admitted that she had entered some tournaments with a strong desire to succeed.
“I had huge expectations that I'll succeed in the tournament, that I desperately wanted to succeed," the 4-time major champion said. "But yeah, my body stopped me from that. And then little things that didn't really work my way. And, you know, it really led me to disappointment.”
Sabalenka eventually decided that she needed some distance from the sport before returning to competition.
“I wanted to stay away for a little bit, away from tennis, just so I can refresh, restart and be hungry again," Sabalenka added. "So that's why I like this time, like no expectation, basically whatever, I'll just go out there and compete and fight. And every time I made this decision, I bring my best tennis and I play my best tennis. So that's my plan.”
That approach also changes how Sabalenka views the pressure surrounding her position at the top of the rankings.
“I always enjoy that. I love it. I love having the target on my back," she claimed. "I like to see young generation looking up to me and get inspired by me, but I feel like they're also going to get inspired even if I drop in the ranking a little bit."
"Hopefully, it will never happen, but for me, I feel like as long as I focus on myself and I focus on developing myself as a player and as a person, ranking doesn't really matter.”
That mindset could be important over the next few weeks. Sabalenka is dealing with the pressure of protecting her No. 1 ranking while also trying to end the season with the Grand Slam title that has eluded her in 2026.
“I don't know. I think every time I had, like, no expectations, no fear, no anything. I was just out there competing, enjoying, playing, fighting. And that's what I'm planning to do, is, like, compete, fight and enjoy, enjoy every challenging that comes my way.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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