'Short memory' the key to success for Sabalenka

Aryna Sabalenka discusses her tennis philosophy, focusing on moving forward, improving, and using losses as motivation.

Aryna Sabalenka detailed her current tennis philosophy on Tuesday (August 13, 2024), with the three-time Cincinnati Masters semi-finalist revealing she's quick to forget about her losses.

"Every week is a new tournament," the two-time Australian Open champion said as she prepared for a second-round start after a bye at the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and ATP Cincinnati Open, the last big test before the August 26 start of the U.S. Open.

"It's good to have a short memory. That helps to keep things moving and working hard and improving."

The third seed reached the semis at the US Midwest venue at the previous two editions as well as in 2018.

She's hoping to soon start improving that record as she comes back from the shoulder injury that forced her to skip Wimbledon.

"Every loss is extra motivation to work hard and improve things – just to keep going," she said.

"If you're fighting every point and giving all you have in practice and matches you'll have your opportunities. You just have to use them."