Hey there, fellow tennis enthusiasts It’s your girl Mia Johnson-Carter here, living the dream in Miami. Today, I’m super excited to share some thrilling news from the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Aryna Sabalenka, the new number 1 in women’s tennis, has just sealed her spot in the semifinals with a stunning victory over Jasmine Paolini.
In a match that was anything but easy, Sabalenka showed incredible grit and skill. Despite conceding a set point at 4-5 in the second set, she managed to find an incredible cross-court backhand that saved the day. This victory not only secured her place in the semifinals but also highlighted her exceptional mental toughness on the court.
At the press conference, Sabalenka shared a beautiful message for her team, emphasizing that achieving the number 1 ranking is not just about her but about the hard work and dedication of everyone behind her. “I am proud of what I am achieving, but not only for me: also for my team. Together we have overcome many obstacles to be in this position and express high-level tennis. Being number 1 is not only about me, but it is about the team and all the work that is behind it. I appreciate every day and now that they have invested in my career, it is something that motivates me a lot,” she explained.
The Belarusian also had kind words for her opponent, Jasmine Paolini, praising her as a great player who constantly puts pressure on her opponents and moves well. “The match was really tough, not only the last part. Jasmine is a great player, she constantly puts pressure on you and moves very well. Also, she serves much better than people think. As I said before, Jasmine is a great player. For me it is an important victory, I am very happy with my performance, especially the way I avoided the third set. The match would have become even more complicated. At that moment I tried to stay aggressive and not lose my calm. Somehow I had to win in two sets. In those moments it is inevitable to think about the possibility of going to the third. I only thought about fighting for every point. I am happy with the shot I played on the set point offered at 4-5, it allowed me to win a fundamental match.”
This victory is especially significant given the current trends in women’s tennis. With Iga Swiatek receiving bad news regarding her performance at the WTA Finals, Sabalenka’s win serves as a testament to her resilience and skill under pressure. It’s moments like these that remind us why tennis is such an incredible sport – full of drama, skill, and heart.
If you want to know more about Aryna Sabalenka’s journey and her message to her team, you can check out the news where I found it here.
Yours truly,
Mia
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