Aryna Sabalenka is definitely “the hunted” in every tournament she plays but the world No.1 still has more prey of her own to conquer on the global stage.
The 27-year-old Belarusian will defend her Brisbane International title before going in search of a third Australian Open title in four years.
With four grand slams to her credit Sabalenka is not content with that by a long shot.
“It is a great position to be in. I love being the hunted but I am still a hunter,” she said.
“I still have my goals to be hunting for so I still consider myself to be the hunter.”
A win at this year’s Australian Open would lead to Sabalenka joining an elite group of players who have won three or more titles, which includes Margaret Court, Serena Williams, Monica Seles, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova and Martina Hingis.
“I’m not trying to focus on the statistics and joining the great group. I am trying to focus on myself,” Sabalenka said.
“I know if I am able to bring my tennis I will be there fighting. If I am playing my higher grade tennis I know I have a great chance to go really far in the tournament.”
Sabalenka won her first Brisbane International title in 2025 before she lost the Australian Open final in three sets to Madison Keys.
She had opportunities in the final set but was unable to close the match out. The lessons were learned and the hunger for redemption is strong.
“Every tournament, every week and sometimes every day you learn something about yourself and definitely it was a great experience last year, winning this (Brisbane) tournament and losing in the final of the Australian Open,” Sabalenka said.
“I learned a lot. Through the tough challenges I was able to win the US Open at the end of the season. I really hope this year if I am able to reach the last stage of the Australian Open I will be a better player than I was last year.
“I am always hungry for titles. Losing in the (Australian Open) final in a very tight match, I feel like I just made a couple of errors at the end of the match and that cost me a grand slam title.
“So that definitely stays in the back of my mind and is going to keep me motivated and keep me hungry.”
Sabalenka took a boat ride on the Brisbane River on Thursday but now she is focused on defending her Brisbane title after an enjoyable New Year’s Day.
“It was very beautiful, a lot of fun and I really enjoyed the ride. I love being in Brisbane. I have great memories from the court and I am excited to be here,” she said.
“It is a great tournament with a really strong draw and I love it. There is going to be a lot of great matches before the Australian Open and that is what I need.”
“I love the surface. I love the support and I just love being here. I feel like home. I think that is important when you feel at home somewhere.”
Proudly Australian owned and operated