Aryna Sabalenka reveals what she kept reminding herself during her comeback victory over Yulia Putintseva at the Wuhan Open

Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked number two in the WTA rankings, staged an incredible comeback in her match against Yulia Putintseva at the 2024 Wuhan Open. Known for her resilience and mental toughness, Sabalenka revealed after the match what kept her focused and driven during the challenging moments. This victory wasn’t just another win in her career; it was a testament to her ability to recover in the face of adversity.

A difficult start and the mental challenge

The match against Putintseva started on a tough note for Sabalenka. In the first set, the Belarusian struggled to find her rhythm, committing 14 unforced errors, which allowed Putintseva to take control and win the set 6-1. Putintseva’s consistent and patient playstyle effectively capitalized on Sabalenka’s lack of precision in key points, leaving the latter in a difficult position early on. With Putintseva dictating the tempo and Sabalenka looking disoriented, the first set was a one-sided affair.

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However, Sabalenka, who had faced similar situations in the past, engaged in a mental dialogue that helped her regain composure. “I kept reminding myself to take a deep breath, stay focused, and not let the stress take over,” Sabalenka commented post-match. This internal strategy was crucial in helping her recover confidence and begin to turn the match around.

The turning point: resilience and focus

In the second set, Sabalenka managed to adjust her game. She began finding her range during rallies and started attacking with greater accuracy. The key moment came during the ninth game of the second set when Putintseva had a break point opportunity. Sabalenka saved the break point with a deep serve followed by an efficient net play, which ultimately led her to win the game and even the set 6-4, pushing the match to a decisive third set.

Sabalenka disclosed that during these critical moments, she kept telling herself to “keep fighting and not rush.” This shift in attitude, emphasizing patience and strategic execution, played a pivotal role in her dominating the third set, which she won convincingly 6-0.

Dominating the final set

With her confidence restored and Putintseva showing signs of frustration, Sabalenka took complete control in the third set. She capitalized on Putintseva’s diminishing intensity, increasing her aggression in return games and exploiting her opponent’s shorter balls. Sabalenka finished the match with 44 winners, a staggering stat that highlighted her attacking prowess. On the other hand, Putintseva committed 14 unforced errors, which helped Sabalenka secure the victory.

The final score of 1-6, 6-4, 6-0 not only advanced Sabalenka to the quarterfinals but also extended her unbeaten streak in Wuhan, where she now boasts a perfect 14-0 record.

Reflection on mental preparation

Sabalenka explained that her ability to turn the match around stemmed from a blend of emotional control and tactical focus. “I had to constantly remind myself that it wasn’t enough to just be aggressive; I needed to construct points, pick the right moments to attack, and not try to finish everything in one shot,” she stated. This tactical approach, combined with her mental fortitude, made the difference in the match.

This isn’t the first time the Belarusian has displayed such resilience. Throughout her career, Sabalenka has earned a reputation for her ability to bounce back in seemingly lost matches. Her mental strength is something she continues to refine, and her victory in Wuhan is further evidence of this skill.

Sabalenka’s 2024 journey

The year 2024 has been marked by a stellar season for Sabalenka, who won the US Open and maintained impressive consistency in major tournaments. Her victory in Wuhan marks her 11th consecutive appearance in WTA quarterfinals, a streak that only Iga Swiatek has recently surpassed. This consistency positions Sabalenka as one of the favorites to finish the year as the world’s number one, a spot she has been fiercely competing for with Swiatek.

Additionally, Sabalenka’s win in Wuhan underscores her dominance on hard courts, where she has accumulated 35 victories in 2024, the highest among WTA players. Her strong performances on fast surfaces reinforce her status as one of the most formidable players in the circuit, particularly in key tournaments like the Wuhan Open.

Looking ahead

Next, Sabalenka will face Magdalena Frech in the quarterfinals, with high expectations of extending her unbeaten run in the tournament. Frech, coming off a solid win against Beatriz Haddad Maia, presents a different challenge, but Sabalenka expressed confidence in her preparation, stating that she plans to maintain the same mindset and focus that helped her overcome Putintseva.

The mental strength of a champion

Aryna Sabalenka’s comeback victory over Yulia Putintseva in Wuhan wasn’t just a technical triumph; it was an example of how mental strength and self-control are crucial in high-level tennis. Once again, Sabalenka demonstrated her ability to bounce back from difficult moments, using her mental toughness to shift the momentum of the match. With a bright future ahead and the potential to end the year as the top-ranked player in the world, the Belarusian continues to impress with her determination and resilience on the court.