“Knowing that statistic will not help me to keep winning”: Aryna Sabalenka stays grounded despite remarkable Australian Open dominance
WTA
Aryna Sabalenka continues her title defence at the Australian Open. The World No. 1 claimed the trophy in both 2023 and 2024, extending her unbeaten streak in Melbourne to 17 matches and achieving an impressive 25-5 record (83.3%).
The three-time Grand Slam champion faced little resistance in the early rounds, defeating Sloane Stephens and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. However, the third round presented a tougher challenge against Clara Tauson, where Sabalenka’s errors forced her to dig deep to preserve her winning streak.
Sabalenka is the first player to claim back-to-back titles at Melbourne Park since her compatriot Victoria Azarenka in 2012-2013. Should she triumph again this year, she would match Martina Hingis’s feat of three consecutive Australian Open titles (1997-1999).
In her latest press conference, Sabalenka reflected on her childhood dream of winning a Grand Slam, describing it as ‘incredible’ to have achieved her goal. “I remember how much I wanted it when I was a child,” the two-time defending champion shared. “Then I look in the box. I see all those people sitting there, encouraging me, helping me to realise my dreams. I can’t just give up.”
“It’s incredible. It’s a dream. That’s why I’m probably so motivated every time I’m out there. Honestly, the statistics are incredible. It’s like, wow. If someone had told me five years ago that I would get to this point, I would have said, okay, whatever, let’s take it one step at a time.”
“The atmosphere helps me a lot here. I would say I have earned, I don’t know, my people here over the years. Now every time I’m out there, I really feel all the support,” she added.
“It’s not like knowing that statistic will help me to keep winning. I still have to get there. I still have to, as you see, fight for every point. I have to bring my best tennis. If not the best tennis, then the best fighting spirit. I take it one step at a time. I’m trying to focus on myself.”
The Belarusian, the clear tournament favourite, will need to maintain her high level against one of her toughest potential opponents, 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva. The rising star is enjoying a breakout moment and has already defeated Sabalenka in the quarterfinals of the 2024 French Open.
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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- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
