Aryna Sabalenka, the current world No. 2 in women’s tennis, recently opened up about the challenging scheduling at the US Open after her match was delayed due to the extended showdown between Novak Djokovic and Alexei Popyrin. The late-night start left Sabalenka feeling hesitant and frustrated, as she had to wait until after midnight to begin her match, disrupting her routine and preparation.

Speaking candidly in her post-match press conference, Sabalenka expressed her reluctance to start playing so late. “Honestly, I was really reluctant to start the match at midnight,” she admitted. “It’s tough to stay focused and maintain energy when you’re waiting around for so long, especially when you have to prepare for a high-intensity match.”

The clash between Djokovic and Popyrin, which saw Djokovic fight back from a set down to win in four sets, extended beyond its expected duration, pushing Sabalenka’s match against her opponent, Jodie Burrage, into the early hours of the morning. Despite the inconvenience, Sabalenka managed to stay composed and secured a straight-sets victory, advancing to the next round.

Sabalenka’s experience highlights a common issue at major tournaments like the US Open, where scheduling delays can have a significant impact on players. Matches that run long, particularly on the tournament’s show courts, can cause subsequent matches to start much later than planned, disrupting players’ routines and recovery time.

“I tried to stay positive and focused, but it’s not easy when your match is delayed like that,” Sabalenka continued. “It’s part of the sport, but it’s something that we, as players, have to deal with. I just tried to keep my energy up and be ready for whenever they called us to the court.”

Despite her frustrations, Sabalenka acknowledged the importance of maintaining a flexible mindset. “It’s just one of those things. You have to be prepared for anything, and sometimes that means playing at odd hours,” she said. “I’m happy I was able to handle the situation and come out with a win.”

The scheduling challenges Sabalenka faced serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of tennis, where matches can vary greatly in length and intensity. For players like Sabalenka, adaptability is key to navigating the ups and downs of tournament play, particularly at Grand Slam events where late-night matches are not uncommon.

As Sabalenka moves forward in the tournament, she remains focused on her goals, demonstrating resilience and determination despite the hurdles. Her ability to stay composed under pressure and adapt to unexpected circumstances is a testament to her strength as a competitor, further solidifying her status as one of the top players in the world.