Aryna Sabalenka involved in strange encounter with Sloane Stephens during training ahead of their blockbuster Australian Open 1R
WATCH: Aryna Sabalenka involved in strange encounter with Sloane Stephens during training ahead of their blockbuster Australian Open 1R
By
Nancy Singh
Modified Jan 11, 2025 09:27 GMT
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Belarus’s Aryna Sabalenka had a strange encounter with her opponent, American player Sloane Stephens, just ahead of their match. The duo will square off in the first round of the Australian Open.
This tournament is the World No. 1’s second event of the 2025 season. Its first round is scheduled for January 12, when she will compete against Stephens. According to a video shared by an X user on the platform, the two had a strange encounter just a day before.
The video showed both players heading toward the stadium. They shared a look but oddly did not smile at each other, and the Belarusian walked away with a straight face.
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Aryna Sabalenka spoke about the mindset Stephens could have in their upcoming match in a pre-tournament press conference:
“We had great battles in the past. I think right now she kind of like in the mode of nothing to lose. She can play really great tennis. I expect a great battle. Yeah, looking forward to facing her again.”
The two have competed against each other four times on tour, with the World No. 1 winning all. They squared off against each other at the 2017 Fed Cup for the first time.
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Aryna Sabalenka opens up about her mindset for the Australian Open
Aryna Sabalenka revealed her mindset for the 2025 Australian Open in a press conference ahead of the Brisbane International (via Punto De Break):
“I definitely have confidence in Grand Slams. I know I am capable of many things, that I am capable of holding that beautiful trophy. It’s good to know, but there is still a long way to go. Many things need to be done. I prefer to focus step by step.”
It’s good to know that you have the ability to win the Australian Open, but it’s better to focus on yourself, on improving each day, on doing your best and expecting the best. That is my mindset for the Australian Open.”
Sabalenka started her 2025 season on a positive note, competing at the Brisbane International where she showcased her dominance throughout and won the title after competing against Polina Kudermetova in the final. She is vying to defend her Australian Open title for the second time, having won the 2023 and 2024 iterations of the tournament. In the 2024 Australian Open, she bested Qinwen Zheng in the finals, 6-3, 6-2, to nab the trophy.
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