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Quote of the Day: If Aryna Sabalenka is happy, then “everyone is happy” at US Open

And the way make the world No. 2 happy is through "good dinners", which she's been enjoying a lot of during her fortnight in New York City.

ByBaseline Staff

Published Sep 01, 2023

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Aryna Sabalenka has been having a great time at this year’s US Open.

The world No. 2 has cruised into the third round at the final Grand Slam of the calendar without dropping a set, after scoring a pair of 6-3, 6-2 victories over Maryna Zanevska and, on Thursday, against Britain’s Jodie Burrage.

“I came on court with mentality just to put her speed with her, [turn] her game back on her, and let her play with that,” Sabalenka told press afterward. “I think I did it pretty well.

“Of course, the main focus was to be really solid on my serve, so I can put some pressure on her serve. I think I did it well, and I just keep trying to put her under pressure.”

Sabalenka cruised into the third round with a 6-3, 6-2, victory over Jodie Burrage.

Sabalenka cruised into the third round with a 6-3, 6-2, victory over Jodie Burrage.

© 2023 Robert Prange

Another thing that’s got Sabalenka grinning? All of the good food the two-time US Open semifinalist been enjoying in the Big Apple:

Q. How have you been spending your off days? Doing anything fun in the city?

ARYNA SABALENKA: I'm going for good dinners. That's the best for me. You know, if I have a good dinner I'm happy. If I'm happy, everyone is happy. If everyone is happy, then we have more chance to do well (smiling).

Q. Is there a cuisine you go for specifically here?

ARYNA SABALENKA: It's not really specific place, but we have been in couple good Italian restaurants…

When Sabalenka is happy, then everyone is happy—and her tennis has been showing it, too. After serving up eight double faults against Zanevska on Tuesday, the Belarusian cracked jokes with the crowd in her post-match interview. And in both matches in New York City, Sabalenka says she has “felt like Barbie” in her new custom Nike dress.

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“First I'm focused on the court and then I'm having fun, you know,” Sabalenka told press, grinning. “But yeah, I was enjoying the game today. I was enjoying the atmosphere.

“It was really a great day for me. I felt the support. I felt my game well… I mean, I enjoy it, and I had a little bit of fun out there.”

No. 2 seed Sabalenka will face Clara Burel in the third round, after the Frenchwoman knocked out No. 25 seed Karolina Pliskova earlier in the day.