"I feel much fresher physically and mentally," Sabalenka reflects ahead of her title defense in Cincinnati

Sabalenka is back on tour after a tough semifinal loss to Anisimova. As the world No. 1, she will have to defend her titles in Cincinnati and at the US Open. Speaking to the press, the Belarusian addressed several topics, including her vacation in Greece, her YouTube channel, and her absence in Montreal.

"The season is really intense—it’s impossible to be at your best every week. After Wimbledon, I realized I needed a break, and it’s great to take one. Now, I feel much fresher physically and mentally.

Regarding my YouTube channel, I love telling my own story, letting people know what I do on and off the court, feeling connected to them, and showing my most human side.

I decided not to play in Canada because I believe it’s very important to manage my energy as efficiently as possible. The season is long and exhausting, and now comes a key stretch for me. I’m defending my title in New York, and I love approaching a Grand Slam this way. I just hope all the lessons I’ve learned from the last Grand Slam tournaments will help me reach my highest level," she said in an interview shared by *Punto de Break*.

With a bye in the first round, she will face Cristian or Vondrousova in her opening match.