Aryna Sabalenka puts Roger Federer on the spot in Australian Open interview | Tennis | Sport
Aryna Sabalenka started her quest for a third Australian Open title with a 6-4 6-1 victory over French wildcard Tiantsoa ‘Sarah’ Rakotomanga Rajaonah on day one of the tournament – and then put six-time former champion Roger Federer on the spot. The retired Swiss star returned to Melbourne Park this week to say a proper farewell to the fans following his 2022 retirement, and played an exhibition doubles match on Rod Laver Arena on Saturday night.
A day later, he was in the stands for world No. 1 Sabalenka’s opening match and watched as she came back from an early break down to book her spot in the second round. Sabalenka lifted the trophy in Melbourne in 2023 and 2024, and then finished runner-up to Madison Keys last year.
During her on-court interview, Jelena Djokic informed the top seed that she could become the first player to reach four consecutive finals here since Martina Hingis. Djokic also explained that not even Novak Djokovic had been able to make it four in a row – his longest streak has been three straight finals.
Asked what she made of the potential achievement, Sabalenka laughed and turned her attention to Federer. “Did you do it?” she asked, laughing. But Federer appeared to have no idea, shrugging and laughing as he mouthed over to Sabalenka.
That wasn’t the only question the four-time Major winner had for Federer. Sabalenka was asked whether she noticed the retired former No.1 and fellow tennis legend Rod Laver sitting in the front row – and went into fan mode.
“Yeah! I’m a huge fan, guys, can I take picture with you, please?” she asked, turning to Federer and Laver. “I got a little bit tight, I wanted to show great tennis so you guys enjoy watching me play.
“But, oh my god, what a privilege. Thank you so much, I really hope you guys enjoyed at least a little bit. That was definitely a lot of pressure. I was like, the whole match, I was walking, thinking don’t look there, don’t look there, don’t look there.”
Federer may not have known his streak of consecutive final appearances in Melbourne Park, but he was happy to oblige when it came to Sabalenka’s other question. The world No. 1 headed to the baseline to take a selfie with Federer and Laver before leaving the court.
Sabalenka also seemed to be inspired by the Swiss star. She mixed it up against Rakotomanga, coming to the net 22 times, then joked that it was all inspired by Federer. “Yes, of course, I just wanted to impress Roger with my game. I just couldn’t do tweener, but it’s okay. Next time,” she smiled.
“I prefer to be unpredictable. But yeah, I was definitely working on serve and volley. I’m super happy to be able to do it on the match. You know, on the practice is one thing, but to be able to be kind of, like, fearless and go there at the match is something else. I’m really proud I’m able to show this tennis.”
