Aryna Sabalenka already plays tennis like a champion. Now, she’s trying to think like one
After prevailing in sweltering conditions on a side court at last year’s US Open, Aryna Sabalenka met with a handful of journalists in a nondescript corner of the tournament’s media center. The 20-year-old was running late for her interview, and she apologized for her tardiness.
When the interview began, it was as if Sabalenka was catching up with old friends. Unprompted, she told the gaggle where she was staying in Manhattan and her review of the previous night’s dinner. She let us in on her upcoming shopping and sightseeing plans. Laughs were plentiful in this decidedly informal setting.
“I was like, what the f--- is going on?” Sabalenka casually dropped, referring to a framed lob from her opponent that caught the baseline.
When the chat was over, Sabalenka kindly asked one of the journalists where she should go to next—this experience was completely new to her. There were no handlers or tournament staffers shadowing her every move; it was pure Sabalenka.
This story is from the July/August 2019 edition of Tennis.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July/August 2019 edition of Tennis.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Tennis Conversation: Jenson Brooksby, a piano man
Billy Joel may be a New York City icon, but the fans in Queens should start getting to know this piano man
The Five-Step Sit-Down Plan
Don’t neglect the value of a smart changeover routine
MAKING THE TURN
Six years after saying goodbye to the protour grind, Mardy Fish may be more active than ever—on the court, on the course, and helping combat a struggle anyone can encounter
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Queens is known for its gastronomy as much as its tennis. Daniil Medvedev, equal parts sugar and spice, hopes to add a unique flavor to the borough as he vies for his first major
SUMMER IN THE CITIES
Broadway may not re-open until mid September, but tennis offers its own brand of live theatre in the preceding months
REOPEN SEASON
The pandemic halted tennis as an up-close experience— but is now giving way to pandemonium among crowds. As the pro game reopens this summer and fans gather again, we’re realizing what we’ve been missing for so long
Court of Appeals
Resolving Your Rules Questions&Quarrels
An Open Mind: New York's Slam has no shortage of history, but it always evolves
In the last decade, Arthur Ashe Stadium got a roof, and a new Grandstand and Louis Armstrong Stadium debuted.
Those Fall Feels
The end of summer may be bittersweet, but getting lost amid the backroads of NEW ENGLAND adds a silver—and golden—lining to the season change. Pack a few sweaters along with your tennis kit and prepare for leaf-peeping, scenic drives and delicious autumnal ingredients to pair with your forehands
Court of Appeals
Resolving Your Rules Questions & Quarrels
