“Sometimes I just need to throw the racket” – Aryna Sabalenka gives fascinating insight into her elite mindset
Aryna Sabalenka opened up about her strong mindset when facing disappointment, showing resilience both on and off the court 💪🎾. Now, all focus shifts to the 2026 Brisbane International semifinal, where she prepares to battle Karolina Muchova on January 9. A big test, a big moment—Sabalenka is ready to rise again. 🔥
Aryna Sabalenka kicked off her season at the Brisbane International in commanding fashion 🎾🔥. Her latest outing came on January 8, where she faced Madison Keys in the quarterfinals and delivered a clinical performance, sealing a 6-3, 6-3 victory. Confidence high, momentum strong—Sabalenka looks ready for what’s next. 💪
In the press conference after her quarterfinal showdown, Aryna Sabalenka was asked about her mindset during moments of self-disappointment on court 🎾🧠. Opening up honestly, the Belarusian star revealed the effort she has put into her mental strength, sharing that she has been working closely with a psychologist to handle those tough moments better. A clear sign of growth beyond just the game. 💪
psychologist for so many years, and you are always looking for something, trying to figure the best solution for yourself. And for me, I think experience helps a lot, because I have been through so many different situations on court, and I know that this one little mistake not going to change the whole match. It’s okay, it happens, and nobody is perfect. That’s been working pretty well for me,” said Aryna Sabalenka.
After her match against Madison Keys, Aryna Sabalenka shared a light-hearted moment off the court 🎁😊. The world No. 1 revealed she received a secret gift from a young fan, but playfully refused to show it—joking about her team’s reaction and keeping the surprise under wraps. Moments like these show the fun, human side of the champion.
Aryna Sabalenka opened up about her match against Madison Keys at the Brisbane International

Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys have quickly built an exciting rivalry on Australian soil 🎾🔥. At the start of the 2025 season, the two clashed in the Australian Open final, where the American star dominated to lift the Grand Slam trophy. Fast forward to the 2026 season, and they crossed paths once again—this time at the Brisbane International, reigniting the storyline with another high-intensity showdown.
Following their quarterfinal face-off, Aryna Sabalenka was asked whether the match brought back memories of her 2025 Australian Open final loss. Staying true to her forward-focused mindset, she replied that she doesn’t like to live in the past. Praising her opponent, Sabalenka went on to laud Madison Keys, saying she has immense respect for her game and the way she competes at the highest level. 🎾👏
“I mean, of course you’re aware of the level of your opponent, but I never stay in the past. I know that I lost in Australia against her, and that’s the big motivation of course to go out and to get the win. But I never, like, stay in the past, and never remember things from the previous meeting. I’m always looking to the match is a new match against a new player. That’s my approach.”
Aryna Sabalenka is set to headline the 2026 Australian Open, scheduled from January 12 to February 1 at the iconic Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia 🎾🔥. All eyes will be on the world No. 1 as she looks to make a deep run and start the season’s first Grand Slam in style.