Aryna Sabalenka hoping 'short memory' helps in quest to return to 'top level' in Cincinnati ahead of US Open

Aryna Sabalenka enjoyed a strong start to the 2024 season with victory at the Australian Open, but she hasn't won a title since. The world No. 3 will be looking to end that run in Cincinnati as she prepares for the US Open later this month. She has spoken about needing to have a "short memory" and how she is "working really hard" to get back to her "top level".

Sabalenka 'working really hard to get back on my top level' ahead of Cincinnati

Video credit: SNTV

Aryna Sabalenka says having a “short memory” is beneficial for her improvement as she looks to end her title drought at the Cincinnati Open.

The world No. 3 made the perfect start to the season as she defended her Australian Open title without dropping a set.

But Sabalenka has not won a title since then, losing in the Citi Open semi-finals and Canadian Open quarter-finals after returning from a shoulder injury that forced her to miss Wimbledon.

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Sabalenka is hoping to build momentum in Cincinnati this week as she prepares for the US Open later this month.

"Every week is a new tournament,” she said.

“It's good to have a short memory. That helps to keep things moving and working hard and improving. Every loss is extra motivation to work hard and improve things - just to keep going.

"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."

Sabalenka opens in Cincinnati against world No. 67 Elisabetta Cocciaretto on Thursday.

"I definitely feel with every match I play, I definitely feel much better with every game,” she added.

“And I'm working really hard right now to get back on my top level. And hopefully this is the moment where I can show my best tennis."

Sabalenka has made the semi-finals the last two years in a row in Cincinnati.

She also reached the last four on her main-draw debut in 2018 but has not been to the final.

"I don't want to focus on that, I made several semis. They were really great tournaments for me,” she said.

“But I just want to focus step by step and, make sure every time I'm on the court, bring my best tennis and fight for every point and just take it step by step.