Sabalenka: "I was hungry for revenge and I have proven it"

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The best player in the world has made a statement to assert her status. Aryna Sabalenka is in the final of Indian Wells 2025 after overwhelming Madison Keys, the woman who inflicted the worst sensations of her career by defeating her in the Australian Open final, creating a lasting unease in her tennis. She spoke at a press conference about Mirra Andreeva, her opponent in the grand final.

Suffering a harsh setback can make anyone falter, but the best in the world are known for emerging swiftly and with greater strength. Aryna Sabalenka has endured more than expected to rebuild after what happened in the first Grand Slam final, but that defeat against Madison Keys could end up being the best fuel for a woman who will never take anything for granted and whose motivation will be much higher. At Indian Wells 2025, she is already in the final after overpowering her Melbourne conqueror.

"I desperately needed this revenge, I was hungry to defeat Madison, and I played with great focus and a perfect tactical approach. I focused on not allowing her to find rhythm with her shots, I didn't want her to hit the same ball twice and start dictating play. The match in Australia broke my heart, and I was aware that losing to her again could create a mental trauma that would greatly affect my upcoming tournaments," she stated.

- Sabalenka acknowledges working to maintain her fiercest attitude throughout all matches.

Moreover, she revealed a key aspect of her personality to understand her success. "When crucial moments arrive, facing me is difficult, especially if I feel the desire to seek revenge. I wish I had that mentality in every match of the year; I am working hard to be more consistent in that aspect," commented a woman who will aim for the title in Indian Wells 2025 against Mirra Andreeva, a showdown promising spectacle.

"It's uncomfortable for me to think that I'm 26, nearly 27. I still feel very young, but then I see Mirra, who is 17, and I go crazy. She's only two years older than my sister, whom I perceive as a child. It's incredible; I feel old when I see what Mirra Andreeva is capable of at her age," laughed Aryna Sabalenka, aware of the threat posed by her opponent, who has already defeated her on a prestigious stage like Roland Garros 2024. Despite this, the Belarusian leads their head-to-head encounters by 4-1. Indian Wells 2025 will witness their sixth battle.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka: "Tenía hambre de revancha y lo he demostrado"