Aryna Sabalenka admitted that it wasn’t straightforward taking part in her first match in 40 days but in addition added that the great factor was that her shoulder felt fairly wonderful on the market.
After lacking Wimbledon resulting from a shoulder concern, Sabalenka returned to motion on Wednesday night in Washington. And in her first match in fairly a while, the two-time Grand Slam champion undoubtedly seemed a bit rusty in opposition to qualifier world No. 105 Kamilla Rakhimova however in the long run managed to keep away from a shock loss and seal a 7-5 4-6 6-4 win over the Russian.
“Yeah, yeah, I am tremendous glad to be again on courtroom. I did not play like months it appears like. It has been greater than that. Completely satisfied to get by way of this robust match. She performed unbelievable tennis. I am simply tremendous glad to get this win,” Sabalenka stated.
Sabalenka on the situation of her shoulder
In her first match, Sabalenka fired 13 aces but in addition confronted 12 break factors – of which she saved 9. However most significantly, the 26-year-old Belarusian did not really feel any ache or discomfort when serving in opposition to Rakhimova.
“I imply, I actually hope it is okay. Not less than I used to be in a position to serve with out ache. It isn’t going to be straightforward to return again after harm, particularly the one I had. I really feel okay and we’ll see how I really feel tomorrow. However I actually, actually hope I’ll be all proper for the subsequent match,” Sabalenka shared.
By beating Rakhimova, Sabalenka arrange a Washington in opposition to fellow Belarusian Victoria Azarenka, who beat Wang Yafan.
“I imply, each of them are nice gamers. I had lots of nice matches in opposition to Victoria. It is all the time nice matches in opposition to her. I am actually wanting ahead going through her once more,” Sabalenka stated when requested about going through both Azarenka or Wang.
“One other participant I am unsure if we confronted. I’ll watch their match tomorrow to see the sport. However, yeah, tremendous excited to play the subsequent match.”
