Sabalenka before the WTA Finals: "Djokovic gave me advice"

On the eve of her start at the WTA Finals in Riyadh (November 1st to 8th), Aryna Sabalenka revealed the advice given to her by Novak Djokovic.

The world number one, often perceived as fiery on the court, confided that she now approaches major events with more calm. And behind this evolution lies advice from the record holder for Grand Slam titles: Novak Djokovic.

"He taught me to stay calm and to look at everything from an outside perspective, on and off the court. To be able to sit back and observe, as if you were watching your own situation through someone else's eyes. That's the best lesson he taught me.

In those finals, the problem wasn't technical, but emotional. I understood that losing control wasn't helping me win. You need to know how to express your emotions, yes, but not let them dominate you."

Sabalenka left nothing to chance. Since her victory in New York, she chose to manage her body and mind: only one appearance in Wuhan (semi-final) before fully dedicating herself to the WTA Finals, where only the top eight players of the season compete.

She will begin on Sunday, November 2nd, against Jasmine Paolini, whom she leads 5-2 in their head-to-head meetings.