Aryna Sabalenka has offered some insight into her transition from being reserved to becoming a more open person and how she is starting to understand her inner self better.
Talking about herself, the Belarusian divulged that she was very emotional person during the early stages of her career as she didn’t really liked to open up to others. However, according to her team she made a lot of personal improvements over the past few years and is now beginning to get rewarded for her hard work.
Following her successful title defense at the Australian Open, Sabalenka was quizzed about the changes in her life that she is proud and she went into discuss her transformation while revealing the special bond she shares with fellow-ATP star Paula Badosa.
“I would say that I’m more open right now. I’m happy that I was able to build some friendships, like with Paula,” the World No. 2 told WTA Insider.
“Because before I was so closed and I was so afraid to open up to people. I’m happy that I have such a friend like Paula. She’s the best. I love this girl. I think we’re kind of similar.
“And it’s not like I wasn’t respecting people before, but I respect everyone more than I used to.
“I cannot ignore the fact that I’m really proud that I was able to understand myself better. I have this control of myself. That’s quite an obvious thing. Everyone sees that, but it’s really tough to improve when you’re such an emotional person and you’re used to getting super emotional every time. To actually become really in control on court, it’s really tough work.”
The 25-year-old added: “If I let people be my friends or be around me, I’m a really open person. You can ask for anything, I will help. You just need to call me and I will do anything you need to help you or to support you.
“But to get there, I’m really quite a closed person. I’ve been through really difficult situations in life with some people and that’s why I become that closed. That’s what I mean when I’m saying I’m more open right now.”
Sabalenka also asked about the importance of getting rid of “One-Slam Wonder” tag of her by clinching a second title at Melbourne Park.
“It’s very sad that people call “one Grand Slam champions” that way. And of course, it was in my head, I didn’t want to be a one-time Grand Slam champion,” she said.
“I’m super happy that I was able to win two Grand Slams. And I really hope that I can keep building my tennis, keep getting better, and then hopefully keep winning.”