Aryna Sabalenka advances to the round of 16 in Toronto and highlights focus after break: ‘Ready to fight’
Tennis player Aryna Sabalenka started her participation in the WTA 1000 in Toronto with victory. On the night of August 4, 2026, the athlete, who occupies the first position in the world rankings, beat the Japanese Moyuka Uchijima in two sets, ensuring her presence in the next stage of the championship in Canada, where she also seeks to maintain her leadership in the WTA.
After the match, the Belarusian player expressed satisfaction with her initial performance, especially for having returned to competition after a brief rest break.
“I feel happy with my performance and my ability to fight. I was aware that I might encounter some challenges after a limited rest period, but I prepared myself for that eventuality. I’m happy to be ready to compete, both mentally and physically,” said Sabalenka.
Sabalenka incorporates new strategies into her playing style
During the game, the world number one stood out by employing serves and volleys, in addition to using dropshots more intensely, techniques that were previously less common in her repertoire. As the tennis player explained, these tactical options are being improved in her training and aim to improve and simplify her overall game.
“We practice these plays a lot. To be honest, my current goal is to return to the fundamentals and preserve simplicity in my actions,” she added.
The Belarusian player also clarified that the debut match worked as a fundamental assessment to refine technical and physical aspects for the next stages of the championship.
“For me, it was excellent training. I need to recover after longer exchanges and improve my positioning in difficult situations, in order to guarantee my best performance in decisive clashes”, she commented.
Finally, Sabalenka emphasized her confidence in applying the techniques she has been improving in training.
“Today I simply felt it was the right time, I trusted my abilities and acted. The intense training is precisely so that, at any moment on the court, I can execute what was practiced”, said the tennis player.
In the next round of the WTA 1000 in Toronto, Sabalenka will face Chinese Shuai Zhang, competing for a place in the quarterfinals.
