"I've learned to embrace that pressure instead of fearing it": Aryna Sabalenka thriving under weight of being World No.1 ahead of Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka heads towards the Australian Open aiming to win the title for a third time this January and also gain a modicum of revenge after she was cruelly denied last time out with Madison Keys having the best week of her career.

For Sabalenka who on the other hand has long been World No.1 and isn't changing either wins Grand Slams at a canter and is the best player that week or manages to spurn good positions and in reality perhaps should be on more than she has won.

All semantics in the grand scheme of it all but she has learned to embrace a pressure that perhaps would once gulf her and she said that being World No.1 as she hunts down Iga Swiatek's 75-week reign around the Australian Open is pressure but also privilege and that this helps her to stay in the zone when the stakes get high. She heads towards the new season in her mind happy and healthy and is ready for another Melbourne title tilt.

“Of course there’s pressure, but it’s also a privilege,” the 27-year-old told Gulf News. "Being No 1 means you’re doing something right. I’ve learned to embrace that pressure instead of fearing it. I trust my preparation, my team and my game, and that helps me stay focused when expectations are high."

“The priority is staying healthy, improving consistency and continuing to evolve my game. I’m always looking for small areas where I can get better, both physically and mentally. Preparations are going well, and I’m motivated to keep building on the level I’ve reached this season.”

“Absolutely. The Australian Open is very special to me. Winning it twice gives me confidence, but every year brings a new challenge. I’m excited to return and see what I can achieve.”

Next up for the imperious World No.1 of the women's game is a different kind of challenge and pressure as she takes on the Aussie showman Nick Kyrgios in a Battle of the Sexes tie, one that has been hugely debated and discussed but one that Sabalenka has relished.

Sabalenka has done the press rounds with Kyrgios which in itself courted controversy due to comments made on trans inclusion in tennis on Piers Morgan Uncensored and also Kyrgios having a previous conviction for assaulting his ex-girlfriend which has been a common narrative in regards to people being against Sabalenka's involvement.

But she herself is excited for the challenge of facing off against the maverick Aussie and for having a new facet to focus on that brings a new challenge to push the sport in another direction. Others such as Casper Ruud, Greg Rusedski among others have called it a gimmick. Eva Lys called it one but also said that it is a great publicity stunt to gain more eyes on tennis.

Billie Jean King also wasn't a huge fan mainly due to the fact that what she was fighting for was bigger than the match during the first iteration. In comparison as much as the door isn't fully closed between male and female players in regards to equal prize money, it is a different shop now.

Sabalenka is a globally recognised leader in her sport and earns the money to boot as one of the top female athletes in the world for prize money and endorsements. Only really Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek are ahead of her and both have been building their portfolio for a long time so in reality it is a move that has been questioned and at times for good reason.

“I’m really excited. Nick is one of the most talented and unpredictable players in the game, and he brings an intensity and entertainment factor that fans love,” she said. “I enjoy challenges that push the sport in new directions. This match is competitive, fun and on a big stage, so I’m really looking forward to it.”