Aryna Sabalenka was quick to shut down the claim that she "plays not to lose" as the three-time Grand Slam champion highlights she always goes out there determined to control everything and dictate her own fate.
On Sunday, the world No. 1 had another routine day at the office after ousting Cristina Bucsa 6-1 6-4 to progress into the US Open quarterfinal. For the Belarusian, who captured her maiden title at Flushing Meadows last year, this will be her fifth consecutive quarterfinal in New York.
After beating Bucsa, Sabalenka was suggested by an on-court interviewer that she was playing not to lose rather than to win. Needless to say, the 27-year-old didn't agree with that one at all.
Sabalenka: I play to win
"I’m not playing not to lose, I play to win. I don’t care about what happened last year. I mean, of course it’s a big achievement, and I’m super happy I was able to achieve it once, but the goal is to do it many more times. My mentality is to go out there every time, bring the best fighting spirit, and just fight for my dream," the world No. 1 explained.
It is a very well-known thing that Sabalenka is one of the most aggressive players – if not the most aggressive – in the women's game. With that being said, it is also not a secret that the Belarusian always tries to go for her shots and be the one controlling the tempo and everything.
So far this year, the world No. 1 has won 54 matches and lost 10 clashes. Also, she has lifted three titles so far in 2025.
At the US Open, Sabalenka is on a mission to make her Grand Slam breakthrough of the year – she picked up three consecutive Slam semifinal exits at the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon.
In the US Open quarterfinal, the Belarusian plays against Marketa Vondrousova.
