“Have to Handle My Emotions” – Aryna Sabalenka on Her Double Triumph at WTA Ostrava

The Ostrava Open 2020 concluded recently, and what a tournament it was for Aryna Sabalenka. The 22-year-old enjoyed a double party as she won the title not only in the singles category but also in doubles with partner Elise Mertens. In singles, she defeated her fellow countrywoman and US Open 2020 runner-up Victoria Azarenka in straight sets. The doubles win was no different as the pair thrashed Gabriela Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani without playing the third set.

Winning both the singles and doubles’ titles in the same tournament is a rare sight, and the journey must have been a tough one for Sabalenka. In a recent interview, she revealed how she managed to come back after not playing the initial matches very well. She even spoke about how the title run was a rollercoaster ride for her.

“Oh, it was thrilling, but I mean, I have to handle my emotions. I have to learn how to stay focused and stay really strong emotionally from the beginning of the match. I think after the quarterfinal, I kind of did it really well,” said Sabalenka.

The Belarusian player even talked about her win in Wuhan last year and how this victory was different from that. “It’s an amazing week for me and I’m just super happy with the result, both singles and doubles. I could do it in Wuhan last year but I was so tired and in doubles, I couldn’t help Elise so much. This time we did it and I’m super, super happy with that,” added the 22-year-old.

“I’m super happy with the titles” – Aryna Sabalenka

In her match against Coco Gauff, Sabalenka made a fabulous comeback by winning two close sets back-to-back. In the interview, she also mentioned the difficulties she faced on the court and how she managed to conquer them.

“I’m really happy that physically I could handle it, especially on these kinds of courts, because this court is really slow and low and you have to stay really low. It really hits you in the back, in your legs, but I feel really well. Even I had the match when I played Gauff for like two hours and a half almost and then I had a two hours match in doubles and it was really intense there, the next day I felt kind of OK,” said Sabalenka.

It must have been tiring to first play a single’s match and a double’s after a mere 1-2 hours break. But champions like Sabalenka find a way to deal with everything. “So I’m really happy with my physical abilities. This is really awesome and I’m really happy with this more than even the titles. But I’m super happy with the titles,” concluded a cheerful Sabalenka.

Sabalenka deserves her success. She has been consistent and has played beautifully in 2020. This is evident from the WTA rankings as well since the Belarusian has climbed one spot and is now the new World No. 11.

Also Read: Aryna Sabalenka steamrolls over Victoria Azarenka at the WTA Ostrava Open 2020