Aryna Sabalenka refused to reveal the secrets behind how she manages to win so many close matches after coming from a set down to beat Naomi Osaka at the Madrid Open. The world No. 1 lost a first-set tiebreaker but responded to force a decider and win the round of 16 match 6-7 6-3 6-2, setting up a quarter-final with Hailey Baptiste tomorrow (Tuesday).
During an on-court interview after the win, Sabalenka was asked about what element of her game she relies on most when games get tight. The interviewer referenced her tiger tattoo and that she is a fighter before asking the question, but received a blunt reply.
Sabalenka said: “Why should I say it, because then they (opponents) are gonna avoid that one? Honestly, I only rely on my fight spirit, that’s it.”