The 2023 Australian Open was a special one for Aryna Sabalenka. After years of hard work, she finally tasted success on tennis’ biggest stage. The Belarusian star defeated Elena Rybakina in the summit clash to clinch her maiden Grand Slam title. Months later, she made it to another Grand Slam final at the US Open but went down fighting against Coco Gauff. Interestingly, there was one big difference between the two finals. Sabalenka’s secret charm was present at the Australian Open but was missing at the US Open.

This difference can haunt her at the ongoing Australian Open too. Sabalenka has made it to the last four Down Under and will take on Coco Gauff in the semifinals. Let’s find out who her secret charm is.

Aryna Sabalenka is without her boyfriend at the Australian Open

After her win Down Under last year, Sabalenka credited her boyfriend’s pep talk before the final, regarding it as the secret to her success. For the record, the Belarusian star’s boyfriend is Konstantin Koltsov, who is a former ice hockey player and has also competed in two Olympic Games. As a result, he has the know-how about what it takes to give the best at the highest level.

With nerves being felt before her maiden Grand Slam final, Koltsov calmed Sabalenka down by saying, “You go again. Just relax and enjoy the tennis that’s it.” These simple words made a big difference as Sabalenka clinched her maiden Grand Slam title there.

Fast forward to 2024, Sabalenka is without her boyfriend at the ongoing Australian Open. He hasn’t traveled with her Down Under due to personal reasons. This is similar to what happened during the US Open last year when Sabalenka was without her boyfriend. She went on to lose the final there against Coco Gauff.

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She again faces the American star tomorrow and her boyfriend’s absence might make a big difference in the match with respect to the mental side of things. Last year, the Belarusian star even revealed how Koltsov’s presence boosts her during the games.

What did Sabalenka say about her boyfriend?

At the 2023 Stuttgart Open, Sabalenka had a resounding win over Paula Badosa in the quarterfinals. Subsequently, she went on to talk about her boyfriend’s influence during the matches.

In the post-match interview, she said, “I mean, yeah, his support is very important. Couple of times today on the match I was looking at him, and I saw him being very nervous. I was, like, No, I have to win this one, I don’t want see him. I don’t know, sad and thinking that it’s his fault that I lost because he came (smiling). So I was just like pushing myself even harder to win this match.” 

Aryna Sabalenka will take on Coco Gauff in the night session at the Rod Laver Arena tomorrow. Who do you think will prevail in this match? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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