“Some people don’t like it… It helped me.” – Aryna Sabalenka comments differently on Ons Jabeur’s complaints about heavy ball after Cincinnati QF win

Edited on 19 Aug. 2023 07:44

Aryna Sabalenka, currently No. 2 in the world, admits the weather in Cincinnati, Ohio, has helped her control the ball compared to many other players, especially Ons Jabeur, who is not good at heavy balls.

After experiencing shoulder pain from playing heavier balls at the Cincinnati Open, the current world No. 5 asked players like Iga Swiatek if he wanted to switch to a heavier ball.

Aryna Sabalenka cruised through to the semi-finals of the 2023 Western and Southern Open with a win over Ons Jabeur in straight sets (7-5, 6-3) during her quarterfinal showdown on Friday. On August 18, due to an injury to her right foot, the Tunisian star exited the Cincinnati Open with a dark cloud hovering over her.

The Belarusian surpassed Ons Jabeur with a 3-2 head-to-head lead. However, Jabeur was the last to scout at Wimbledon 2023, beating the Belarusian in a thrilling three-set match (6-7, 6). -4, 6-3) This win not only limited Aryna Sabalenka’s impressive streak in London. but also ended her bid for the second Grand Slam of her career.

Following her win over the Ons Jabeur, Aryna Sabalenka had a press conference where she received a series of questions about the weather in Cincinnati as well as comments from various players about the ball’s rebound. When asked how she liked the game, She cheerfully replied that it was quite comfortable for her and improved her game.

“I don’t know, I mean until now I like these balls. I think for my game It helps me because my shots are harder and harder to counter, I don’t know, I don’t know.” I don’t want to complain about these balls (smiles), but yes, I know some players don’t like it very much because it’s heavy, it’s difficult if. Your body is not ready for long matches. Not strong enough, yes, it can hurt. If you ask my opinion, I like it (smile)”

Aryna Sabalenka made some interesting observations about the differences between the fields in Cincinnati and Montreal. pointing out that although the surface in Montreal progresses faster, But Cincinnati will be more fun. And it takes time for people who play many matches on the field. Montreal textures to adjust the textures here.

“It’s just a completely different surface here and Montreal, for example, very fast Montreal. it’s different Here the ball bounces much higher. Extremely different conditions. Yes, I mean, it took a little time to adjust to these conditions. Especially if you play in Montreal towards the end of the tournament.”

Aryna Sabalenka mops the pitch during a rain stop in her third-round match against Daria Kasatkina at the Cincinnati Open.

Aryan Sabalenka improved his head-to-head advantage over Daria Kasatkina to 4-2 with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over the 14th seed on Thursday in the third round of the Western & Southern Open. However, it was no walk in the park. Because the game was delayed three times due to rain.

While waiting for the weather to delay, Aryna Sabalenka takes matters into her own hands. On his own by helping to wipe the field dry She takes care of the areas where the dryer misses by hand with a towel.

A video of Aryna Sabalenka humorously making the request was posted to “The Tennis Letter,” the official Twitter account.

“Aryna Sabalenka was helping during the Kasatkina match when a player stepped in to dry the court. You will know they are above the downpour.”

The Australian Open champion will face another formidable opponent, Karolina Muchova, in today’s semi-finals. In the previous meeting, Aryna Sabalenka fell to the Czech player in the 2023 French Open semi-final.