Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus is set to face Magdalena Frech of Poland in the women's singles quarterfinals at the Wuhan Open in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, later on Friday.
Sabalenka, currently ranked World No. 2, showcased impressive form by defeating Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic in the second round and Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan in the last 16. Expressing her satisfaction with her performance, she said, \\"I'm super happy with the win, especially against Katerina, someone who fights until the last point. I'm happy to get through this round and get the win in two sets. Expectations are always the same, but I feel like it's about fighting for every point and focusing on yourself. I'm trying to do my best in each match and hopefully, I'm going to get this title.\\"
In an interview with Sports Scene's Shen Xiang, Sabalenka opened up about the source of her motivation and resilience on the court. She attributed her fighting spirit to her father's advice from her childhood. \\"When I was a kid, my dad used to tell me that he's not going to be angry only if he sees that I'm not giving up and I'm fighting until the last point, and I'm putting everything I have on court,\\" she shared. \\"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. If it works, it works. If not, it's just a lesson and I have to work on something else.\\"
Beyond the court, Sabalenka expressed her appreciation for Chinese cuisine. Having tried various dishes like Peking duck and fried rice, she highlighted her fondness for local flavors. \\"I tried Peking duck in Beijing. It was really good,\\" she said. \\"I actually like Chinese restaurants. I like orange chicken and something like spicy fried chicken with spicy sauce and some nuts on it, and it also comes with fried rice. I like to go to Chinese places all around the world. When I'm here, I don't know why, but I eat fried rice most of the time.\\"
As Sabalenka continues her quest for the Wuhan Open title, her blend of determination on the court and enthusiasm for embracing local culture off the court makes her journey one to watch.
Reference(s):
Aryna Sabalenka talks Wuhan Open, motivation, favorite Chinese foods
cgtn.com
