Aryna Sabalenka said that in her view there is nothing more to add either way in terms of the Iga Swiatek doping case which has engulfed the tennis world in recent months.
Swiatek served a short ban for the substance TMZ after being administered a substance for jetlag. She accepted the suspension but the tennis world has been very much divided on whether she deserves more punishment.
Sabalenka was a bit more diplomatic about it all saying that she firmly believes in clean sports and that most overreact before knowing everything is there in black and white.
"People tend to overreact before understanding the situation, so I don't want to speak out in any way. I believe in clean sports… I have nothing more to add," said Sabalenka as per The National.
She heads into the Australian Open aiming for three in a row and also keeping her World No.1 spot and she said it is hard to be fully confident as it is a mental battle and she will just see how long she can stay atop the tennis summit.
“You cannot be confident on that. It’s a mental thing,” Sabalenka said of her chances of keeping World No.1.
“Of course I’d like to stay there as long as possible and I’m working really hard for that, so let’s see how next season is going to be.”
“I think the key is just to focus on yourself and on bringing your best each time you play, whether it’s Australia or any other country, you just have to bring your best every time and hope for the best.”
“Sometimes when I feel like I need that drive, which is not very often, I just remember where I started and how much I wanted to be where I am right now and that drives me crazy and that’s what helps me to stay motivated and stay hungry all the time."
Aryna Sabalenka on Iga Swiatek’s case:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 21, 2024
"People tend to overreact before understanding the situation, so I don't want to speak out in any way. I believe in clean sports… I have nothing more to add.”
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