Sabalenka Seeks to Join Elite Group with Third Australian Open Title

World number one Aryna Sabalenka is confident and focused as she prepares to defend her Australian Open title against a strong field of competitors.

Aryna Sabalenka is gearing up to defend her Australian Open title, but the world number one has adopted a carefree approach to shed the mental burden of being the defending champion. Sabalenka, who is bidding for a third consecutive title at Melbourne Park, has dropped the defending champion mindset, which proved successful for her last year.

The Belarusian star has revealed that she will focus on taking things one step at a time, rather than getting bogged down by the pressure of defending her title. “I just remember that last year I wasn't thinking at all about being defending champion,” Sabalenka told reporters at Melbourne Park on Friday. “I was just taking it step by step. I think that was the key, basically."”

Aryna Sabalenka is determined to maintain a simple and focused approach as she seeks to win her third Australian Open title. “So this year I'm just going to be the same,” she emphasized. With her sights set on lifting the trophy once again, Sabalenka expressed her optimism. “Hopefully I'll be able to hold this beautiful trophy one more time.”

Aryna Sabalenka is on the cusp of achieving a remarkable feat in Melbourne, as a third consecutive Australian Open title would see her join an elite group of women who have accomplished the “three-peat.” This illustrious list includes Margaret Court (1969-71), Steffi Graf (1988-90), and Martina Hingis (1997-99). However, Sabalenka is not overly concerned with the historical significance of this achievement.

While Sabalenka is aware of the possibility of joining these legends, she is cautious not to overthink it. “Like, I'm not reading it every day, the tennis history. It's enough tennis in my life,” she laughed. “Of course, I know that I have the possibility of joining legends by winning three times in a row. Once again, I don't want to overthink about that. I just want to do my job.”

Sabalenka's confidence has grown significantly since winning three Grand Slam titles and ascending to the world number one ranking. Her powerful game and mental toughness have made her a formidable force on the court. The Belarusian has also started the season on a high note, winning the Brisbane International. When asked about the pressure of expectation that comes with being the world's top-ranked player, Sabalenka revealed that she thrives under the spotlight.

Will the two-time defending champion become a three-time reigning champion by tournament's end?@SabalenkaA is taking her #AO2025 campaign one hit, one day, one round at a time. pic.twitter.com/29ayPC9hne

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 10, 2025

“For me, (it's) just always been something about my character. I always liked to compete,” she said. "That's what drives me and helps me to stay motivated because I know that I have (a) target on my back. “I really like to have it. That's why I work really hard, make sure that nobody can get to me.” Sabalenka will face American Sloane Stephens, a former US Open champion currently ranked 84th, in the first round.

Sabalenka is wary of the challenge posed by Stephens, despite the American's slump in form. “We had great battles in the past. I think right now she is kind of like in the mode of nothing to lose,” said Sabalenka, acknowledging the potential danger of facing an opponent with no pressure.