'It was a tough time' - Aryna Sabalenka using Wimbledon ban as US Open motivation after making semi-finals

Aryna Sabalenka says not being able to play Wimbledon has provided motivation as she bids to win her first Grand Slam title at the US Open. Russian and Belarusian players, such as Sabalenka, were banned from Wimbledon following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Ad The world No.

6 is now into the US Open semi-finals for the second year in a row following her straight-sets win over Karolina Pliskova. US Open'I refuse to sleep' — Gauff, Wawrinka and tennis world in awe of Alcaraz v Sinner2 HOURS AGO Asked whether missing Wimbledon had given her extra motivation for the hard-court summer, Sabalenka said: “Yeah, I worked really hard. “They took away one opportunity from me, and I work really hard for this one.

Sabalenka made the semi-finals at Wimbledon in 2021 and says she couldn’t watch this year as it was too “tough”. Alcaraz wins 'insane' point after behind-the-back shot Wilander compares Sabalenka serve to Serena Williams' «It was a tough time, especially when I was working out in the gym and there was Wimbledon playing on the TV. I was always turning it off because I couldn't watch it.

»I had a lot of good memories from there, and I miss it very much. That's why I wasn't able to watch it, because it reminded me about the great time I had there." Sabalenka, who next faces world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, added: «It's tough and it's a lot of pressure.