World number two Aryna Sabalenka on Monday said she would consider 2022 a successful year only if she can win her maiden Grand Slam singles title.
The Belarusian, who has won 10 WTA singles titles, will begin her season at this week’s Adelaide International, where she is seeded second only to top-ranked Ashleigh Barty.
She had never progressed beyond the round of 16 at a Slam until last year, when she reached the semifinals at Wimbledon and the US Open, losing each time to a three-setter.
The 23-year-old mighty said nerves had gotten the better of her on both those occasions, but she was determined to go all the way this year.
“I think the two matches that I lost in the semi-finals were small steps to make this dream come true,” Sabalenka told reporters in Adelaide.
“I think right now I understand that I can do it – well, the semi-finals, I don’t need to overthink or panic too much.
“Right now I think I won’t be nervous about going to a Grand Slam semi-final again.”
Sabalenka said that mistakes caused them to lose several important close matches.
“I made a winner or I made unforced errors,” she said, working on becoming more consistent.
“I just have to focus and try to make fewer unforced errors than the winners. That’s it.
“Usually I win the first set and then I can start missing a lot, trying to overhit the ball, like making more winners.
“Then I start losing in the third set and when my opponent feels that they can beat me, it is tough.
“I just want to try not to overhit the ball and just stay from start to finish, don’t give your opponent these big opportunities.”
Sabalenka received a first round bye in Adelaide and will play Slovenian Kaja Juvan in the second round.
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