"I don't know how many litres they drank that day" - Aryna Sabalenka recalls her team's celebration bash after Australian Open win
Aryna Sabalenka progressed to the semi-finals of the 2023 Indian Wells on Thursday, March 16. She edged out American Coco Gauff, making it her deepest run at the tournament.
The second seed did not face any break points from her opponent and took a comfortable lead in the first set. She bageled Gauff in the second set and won 6-4, 6-0, in a match that lasted a little over an hour.
In a post-match press conference, a journalist asked the Belarusian how she celebrated her Australian Open win.
She smiled and wondered if she should say anything before lightheartedly admitting to her team celebrating by getting drunk and letting their hair down.
"Can I say that (smiling)? Like straight after the title, we went back to the hotel and all my team was drunk. (Laughter.) I don't know how many liters they drink that day. There was the most funny and, yeah, memorable moment," she said.
She stated that the weeks leading up to the win had been stressful for them and they preferred to celebrate privately with a little drink before adding that she didn't have any.
"Why you're like hanging your hat, hiding? That's normal. That's okay. I think everyone would do the same, no? Everyone was so stressed during that weeks, I think it was normal to have a little drink. Yeah, I didn't drink," she added.
Aryna Sabalenka will face Maria Sakaari in the semi-finals of the Indian Wells 2023
Aryna Sabalenka and seventh seed Maria Sakkari booked their spot in the semi-finals of the 2023 Indian Wells.
The Greek overcame 15th seed Petra Kvitova in the previous round. While Kvitova dominated the game initially, Sakkari quickly turned it around in her favor, coming out on top, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1. It was her fourth consecutive three-set win in the tournament.
Pure joy 🙌
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Aryna Sabalenka breezed past Coco Gauff with five aces and an 87 percent win on her first serve.
In an on-court interview, the World No. 2 spoke of both Kvitova and Sakkari since she did not know who she would be facing next and stated that they were both tough opponents.
"It's always tough battles against [Kvitova and Sakkari]," Sabalenka said. "I think it's going to be long rallies because of the court. I think if I'll be able to bring my best tennis and I will be able to stay focused from the beginning until the end, I think, yeah, I can get this win."
While Sakkari was last year's finalist, this will be Sabalenka's first semi-final appearance at the tournament. Their head-to-head stands at 4-3 in the Belarusian's favor. They will face each other on Friday, March 17.