Aryna Sabalenka makes shocking statement ahead of Rome final vs Iga Swiatek.

Aryna Sabalenka makes shocking statement ahead of Rome final vs Iga Swiatek.
Aryna Sabalenka reveals that she entered Rome battling an illness and even considered withdrawing from the tournament after suffering a back injury, but she is now looking forward to meeting Iga Swiatek in the final and hopefully doing something different that will result in a win over the Pole.

Sabalenka made back-to-back WTA 1000 finals at Foro Italico after losing to Swiatek in a three-hour and 11-minute thriller in Madrid. However, in order to reach the Rome final, Sabalenka had to overcome various difficult competitions as well as a few hurdles.

Sabalenka suffered a back injury during her quarterfinal encounter against Elina Svitolina in Rome, which ended until midnight, but she still saved a match point on her way to a 4-6 6-1 7-6 (7) round-of-16 victory.

Sabalenka won a thriller against Svitolina, then defeated Jelena Ostapenko 6-2 6-4 and Danielle Collins 7-5 6-2 in the semifinals.

“After Madrid, I didn’t feel good. I became unwell, then injured. I was astonished that despite having so much going on, I managed to make it to the final. Sabalenka expressed amazement.

“At the same time, I understood the level was present. If my health improves, I’ll be able to compete in the finals. So it’s roughly 50/50, you know?

“But, I mean, that match really hurt me. It was a painful loss, especially after having numerous match points, despite the fact that she played excellent tennis. Yes, that was a tight match. Hopefully, here in Rome, I can win and claim the crown.”

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka | Getty Images Sport – Mike Hewitt

Sabalenka pondered pulling out of Rome; she won’t hesitate if she experiences agony against Swiatek.
Following her late-night victory over Svitolina on Monday, Sabalenka pondered retiring from the competition and granting Ostapenko a walkover. Sabalenka did, however, get a day off on Tuesday, which she used to relax and receive intensive treatment.

When it came time for Sabalenka to face Ostapenko, the second-seeded Belarusian opted to first test her body to see if she would be in agony or discomfort. Sabalenka faced Ostapenko after checking all the boxes and receiving confirmation that she was ready to play, and she eventually won.

Sabalenka experienced no back pain during the matches against Ostapenko or Collins. However, if Sabalenka loses against Swiatek in the Rome final, she says she will not take any chances at the French Open.

“I was thinking about retiring from the competition. Luckily, I had an extra day. I was doing a lot of recovering. I’m continuing exercising, getting treatments, and taking care of my lower back. It is getting better. So I guess we are on the correct track.

“I do not know. I’m doing everything I can to heal quickly and be ready for Paris. Right now, I’m feeling wonderful. I am not in pain during the matches.

“Of course, if something happens during the match, I’ll pull out because Paris is right around the corner. Hopefully, it won’t happen. I have a feeling it will not happen. So, just keep positive.”

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka | Getty Images Sport – Dan Istitene

Sabalenka discusses her strategy for the Rome final vs Swiatek
Sabalenka almost lost to Swiatek two weeks ago in what was unquestionably the WTA Tour match of the year thus far.

Sabalenka had a handful of excellent chances to secure the victory in the Madrid final but failed to convert them. Sabalenka made the first important move in the third set, taking a break for a 3-1 lead. After blowing the break, Sabalenka had two championship points on Swiatek’s serve in the 12th game, plus one more in the tie-break, but she didn’t realize it.

Sabalenka will try to do things differently in the Rome final to see if she can get over the hump.

“You’re always looking for new things. You always want to develop in a variety of ways, especially after matches like those in Madrid. You always look for something else. “You always try to find ways to improve so that the next time you can finish the match,” Sabalenka remarked.

“After Madrid, we focused a lot on a few things. We will see. We’ll see if it helps me on Saturday and then decide what to do next. I’m confident that I can win.”