Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus is gearing up for a thrilling quarterfinal match against Magdalena Frech of Poland at the Wuhan Open in central China's Hubei Province. Sabalenka, who has showcased remarkable form throughout the tournament, shared insights into her unwavering motivation and her newfound love for Chinese cuisine in a recent interview.
After defeating Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic in the second round and overcoming Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan in the last 16, Sabalenka expressed her satisfaction with her performance. \"I'm super happy with the win, especially against Katerina, someone who fights until the last point,\" the World No. 2 remarked. \"Expectations are always the same, but it's about fighting for every point and focusing on yourself. Trying to do your best in each match, and hopefully, you're gonna get this title.\"
Known for her aggressive style of play and resilience on the court, Sabalenka attributes her never-give-up attitude to her father's influence during her childhood. \"When I was a kid, my dad used to tell me that he's not gonna be angry only if he sees that I'm not giving up and I'm fighting until the last point,\" she reflected. \"It's been something from childhood; I was always a fighter and I never gave up. If I would give up, I would feel so bad for so long. So I'm just trying to bring fight and give my best every time I'm on the court.\"
Beyond the tennis court, Sabalenka has embraced the local culture, particularly the culinary delights of China. She revealed her fondness for dishes like Peking duck and fried rice. \"I tried Peking duck in Beijing. It was really good,\" she said with a smile. \"I actually like Chinese restaurants. I like orange chicken and this spicy fried chicken with nuts that comes with fried rice. I love to go to Chinese places all around the world, but when I'm here, I don't know why, but I eat fried rice most of the time.\"
As she prepares for the upcoming match against Frech, Sabalenka remains focused on her goal. Her blend of fierce competitiveness and appreciation for local culture has endeared her to fans in China and around the world.
\"I feel like it's about fighting for every point and focusing on yourself,\" she emphasized. \"If it works, it works. If not, it's just a lesson and I have to work on something else.\"
With the quarterfinals approaching, tennis enthusiasts eagerly await to see if Sabalenka's dedication and fighting spirit will propel her further in the Wuhan Open.
Reference(s):
Aryna Sabalenka talks Wuhan Open, motivation, favorite Chinese foods
cgtn.com
