'Doesn't Matter If I'm Defending Champion Or...': Sabalenka Looks To Put AO Shock Against Madison Keys In The Past

Aryna Sabalenka stated that she isn’t seeking revenge after her surprising loss to American Madison Keys in the Australian Open last year.

Sabalenka entered the final at Melbourne Park with the goal of becoming the first woman since Martina Hingis to win three consecutive Australian Opens. However, she was defeated by Keys, who claimed her first Slam in an impressive performance on Rod Laver Arena.

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The Belarusian mentioned that there was no difference between arriving in Australia as the champion or as the runner-up.

“It doesn’t matter which tournament it is,” she said before a warm-up event in Brisbane.

“Whether I’m the defending champion or I lost in the first

round last year, the goal is always the same — to bring my best tennis and to improve my game.”

“Honestly, that’s it. I always focus on myself, developing my game, and ensuring I’m 100 percent present.”

Sabalenka had an unconventional lead-in to the Australian Open this month, playing Nick Kyrgios in the much-criticised “Battle of the Sexes” in Dubai. Despite this, she expressed her happiness to be back in Australia, where she enjoys the conditions and has experienced great success.

“I definitely don’t like the heat, but the people, yes,” she said. “I think the atmosphere — it’s always a full crowd in Brisbane. Everyone really engages a lot with tennis. Also in Melbourne, the support there is incredible.”

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When asked if last year’s defeat to Keys provided added motivation this time, she responded, “I’m always super motivated when I come to Australia.” She added with a smile, “Of course, remembering last year’s final, I really want to do just a little bit better than I did last year.”

Sabalenka said she always chose to start her season in Brisbane because of the guaranteed challenging matches. This year’s draw includes seven of the world’s top 10 players.

“It’s a tough draw, a lot of great players,” she said. “It’s a lot of matches before the Australian Open.”

Sabalenka has a first-round bye and will face either Spain’s Cristina Bucsa or a qualifier in the second round.