THERE was a time when No2 seed Aryna Sabalenka thought she would never make the second week of a Grand Slam – let alone a semi-final.
The Belarusian plays former world No1 Karolina Pliskova in the Wimbledon last four tomorrow.
It is by far the furthest Sabalenka, 23, has gone in a major having struggled to cope with the pressure of top-level tennis for the majority of her career.
But work with a psychologist of late is paying dividends – to the point where she did not feel the heat at all in her quarter-final victory over Tunisian Ons Jabeur.
Sabalenka explained: “I was struggling in Grand Slams with all the emotions.
“After every Slam I was so disappointed with myself that I couldn’t handle this pressure.
“I actually thought that I would never make it to the second week!
“We worked a lot with my psychologist and with my coach.
“I’m really happy that here at Wimbledon I’m in the second week, I’m still in the tournament, and I still have this opportunity to win a Slam. I will do everything I can to reach my goal.”
After tomorrow, Pliskova will have ticked off a semi-final appearance in all four Slams.
BETTING SPECIAL
- TOP TIPS: Wimbledon betting tips and free bets
- BEST BETS: Price boosts for today at Wimbledon
The Czech, 29, has learnt to block out all the criticism she has received from keyboard warriors, journalists, fans and even fellow tennis pros.
The world No13 explained: “Players or even former players, they would come and say, ‘What happened there? Why are you not playing that well?’
“I think because of the way I am, people think I can handle a lot, which is maybe true! But I don’t need to hear all of this.
“The internet is the biggest problem. Sometimes you just see something or some articles. They can be quite brutal.
“I had five years in the top ten. Then one week I’m not in the top ten and it’s a huge drama, especially in my country. These things just don’t help.”
COMPETITION: WIN A MERCEDES AMG A45S WORTH £51,000 PLUS UP TO £50k IN CASH
