Aryna Sabalenka ‘Hates Herself’ After Costly Mistakes But Uses It to Fuel Motivation

Aryna Sabalenka has truly proven herself as a formidable force on the WTA Tour, and she reinforced this by completing the Sunshine Double with her Miami Open triumph. In the wake of her triumph, the WTA world No. 1 said that she hates losing and that this feeling drives her to dominate on tour.

Why Aryna Sabalenka Hates Losing and Uses It as Motivation Following Her Miami Open Win

Sabalenka faced home favorite Coco Gauff in the WTA 1000 final, a highly anticipated clash given their history of tough battles. Moreover, ahead of the contest, the head-to-head was also locked at 6-6, giving both players an opportunity to lead the tally.

Sabalenka came out determined to assert control, racing through the first set 6-2. Gauff responded in the second, saving break points at 2-2 and 3-3 before seizing a set point on Sabalenka’s serve to level the match.

The Belarusian, however, raised her level in the decider, leaving Gauff with no answers whatsoever. After breaking early and holding the upper hand, Sabalenka closed out the match on her first match point when Gauff’s backhand drifted wide.

Notably, the 27-year-old extended her dominant 2026 season with a Miami Open triumph. So far this year, Sabalenka has captured three WTA Tour titles and won 23 of her 24 matches, underscoring her commanding form on tour.

The record is certainly impressive, but one of the main reasons Sabalenka has stayed on a winning track is her dislike of losing, which she candidly discussed during her post-match press conference.

“I hate losing. I hate that feeling when you lose the match. I cannot sleep. I dream tennis. I hate myself for making several mistakes that like cause me a match. So I hate that feeling. And just because of that whenever I go out there, I just really try my best and I try to do everything that is possible to get the win,” she said.

After emphasizing how she always strives to avoid defeat, Sabalenka added that a key motivation for her is to inspire the next generation and set a positive example for young players.

MORE: Brad Gilbert Rejects Coco Gauff Criticism After Aryna Sabalenka’s Miami Open Triumph

“And motivation, guys. I am not even like close to the legends. Like, what do I mean? What’s my motivation? I’m just trying to go as far as possible in this sport and to inspire next generation and to be a good example for next generation and show this balance, off and on the court life. And, just to help people, to be healthy in this really tough and challenging environment,” she concluded.

With the win, Sabalenka moved ahead of Gauff in their head-to-head, 7-6, and became only the fifth woman to complete the Sunshine Double. The feat, last achieved by Iga Świątek in 2022, has previously been claimed by Kim Clijsters, Steffi Graf, and Victoria Azarenka.