"It's going to be a great battle": Aryna Sabalenka 'super proud' with her US Open, remains extremely excited to watch one particular match

Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka has revealed that she is excited to watch one particular match at the US Open. The fourth and final Grand Slam of the year is approaching its business end, where the remaining players are giving their all to secure the ultimate prize.

Sabalenka is also currently featuring in the mega-event and booked her spot in the quarterfinal of the competition after beating Cristina Bucsa in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-4. Despite herself still featuring in the competition, Sabalenka is actually eager to watch another match, which will feature former world number one Japan’s Naomi Osaka and two-time Grand Slam winner Coco Gauff.

Both players will face off in the round of 16 clash on Monday. Osaka cemented her spot in the last-16 after beating Australia’s Daria Kasatkina with a score of 6-0, 4-6, 6-3. On the other hand, Gauff secured her spot after beating Poland’s Magdalena Frech in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-1. Sabalenka spoke to the media after the match, claiming that she will definitely take the time to watch the contest between Osaka and Gauff.

“No, of course,” said Sabalenka. “Tennis is always on the background. I'm always watching some matches, sort of analyzing a little bit. Not really, but a little bit, just watching what's going on on the tournament. And yeah, of course, I'm going to watch that match. I'm really interested in the level, in the game. And I think it's going to be a great battle. So I'm excited to watch that match.”

Talking about her own performance, Sabalenka stated that she was ‘super happy’ with her performance. “I was super happy with the straight sets,” she said. “We in the second set was a little bit tricky, but I'm glad that I was able to close it without dropping myself. I felt really in control. And then there was like a really long game when I was 4-2 up and I felt like I should have broke her serve. But yeah, she played some great points in that game. Yeah, maybe I got a little bit like frustrated because like I didn't close that game, even though I was like because I was so close. But overall, yeah, happy with my performance.”

Sabalenka has been consistently performing well on the court in recent times. With her recent win, she has now cemented a spot in the quarterfinals of the last 12 Grand Slams. Talking about it, Sabalenka stated that she was ‘super proud’ of the kind of consistency she has been able to put in for such a long time. “Yeah, of course, I'm super proud,” said Sabalenka. “I think that's an incredible achievement. And I think for me, the key was balancing on and off the court life. And I think I've done a great job on balancing really hard work and also great recovery and some fun time outside of tennis court. And I think that's been the key. I feel like I'm really enjoying my journey, my life. And I think that's the main thing.”

Sabalenka was then asked about the pressure she faces. In response, the three-time Grand Slam winner stated that dealing with pressure is part and parcel of being a top-level athlete. Sabalenka also stated that she enjoys having the pressure of being the world number one and believes that ‘opens a lot of doors’ for her.

“I think pressure is part of our lives, and I think pressure is normal,” said Sabalenka. “And I think it's important to focus on some fun stuff. And I'm enjoying being world number one. I'm enjoying this pressure. I'm working really hard to be where I am. And I think for me, it's important to focus on my game and try to bring my best tennis and just to fight. And I know that I have my chances. But for me, it's a fun life if you're really enjoying your job. Being world number one opens a lot of doors. I meet a lot of great people. I start working with a lot of great brands. And I think that's the beauty of being in sport and being one of the top players, that you have opportunity to meet incredible people and learn about life outside of tennis.”