Aryna Sabalenka spoke about her connection with China upon her arrival at the Beijing Open.
The final WTA 1000 event of the year will see a new world No. 1, and Sabalenka is delighted to make her debut as the top-ranked player in China. After a strong performance at Flushing Meadows, the Belarusian reached the final of the US Open but ultimately fell to Coco Gauff, missing out on her second Grand Slam title.
Nevertheless, Sabalenka can take satisfaction in reaching the top of the WTA Rankings for the first time in her career. She holds a substantial points lead over Iga Swiatek (now world No. 2), putting her in a good position to finish the year as the world No. 1.
Sabalenka is returning to China, a country where she won four of her first five titles in Wuhan (2018, 2019), 2019 Shenzhen, and the 2019 WTA Elite Trophy. During her pre-tournament press conference, she shared her fondness for competing in China:
"I remember they used to call me 'Daughter of China.' It was really cool. I liked it," she said (via official WTA website).
"I remember two women fighting for my headband. I was just like, 'Guys, I'll bring you another one next time, just please don't fight.' That was the funniest memorable moment," Sabalenka said.
Sabalenka is now awaiting her debut at the Beijing Open, where she faces a challenging first-round draw against former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin (42nd), who is currently enjoying a good run of form and gradually rediscovering the level that took her to world No. 4 three years ago.
The Belarusian confessed to feeling a new responsibility as the top-ranked player, regardless of the opponent she faces:
"I feel like I have a lot of responsibility right now, being No.1. I feel like [I'm] kind of representing the tour. Honestly, it's something new for me and I'm still just trying to understand if it's actually changing anything," the Belarusian said.
Aryna Sabalenka says her key to success in China is the fried rice: “I remember they used to call me 'Daughter of China.’ It was really cool, I liked it…I guess I really like fried rice & that's why I'm doing well here. It's only about this perfect fried rice.” 😂 (via China…
