Aryna Sabalenka arrived in Montreal with a clear goal in mind. With the US Open just around the corner, Aryna is looking to get into the swing of the hardcourts. However, something very precious happened after her opening match in Montreal.
The organizers of the Canadian Open took the initiative to ask fans to write a postcard to players. A few days ago, a fan had written Aryna a postcard, wishing her good luck for the tournament. This fan, named Rawny Eid, added how she is suffering from liver cancer, and draws strength from Sabalenka.
It did not stop with the postcard, as she turned up to Sabalenka’s game in person, to watch her idol play. When Aryna was asked about her in the post-match interview, she gave a very heartfelt answer.
Sabalenka looked emotional, as she told Rawny, “I wish you to stay strong. I know you’ll win your fight.” She went on to urge others to support this girl too.
Aryna Sabalenka gives emotional message to her friend in the crowd:
“She’s my friend. I’m not sure if I can say, but I wish you to stay strong. I know you’ll win your fight. Guys, you need to support this girl. She’s fighting something really tough in life. I’m with you” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iuzyza0h4P
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 10, 2023
Aryna’s genuine words for the fan did not go unnoticed as others joined in to wish her well. Users even praised Aryna for her empathetic words.
How could anyone not be a fan of Aryna? Big tennis, bigger personality, biggest heart!😍🫀
— Semper Fidelis (@f97642606) August 10, 2023
Aryna’s words were beautiful and they affected the fan too, who was in tears by the end. This is a lovely example of an admiration transcending boundaries.
Aryna Sabalenka proves a point in the first round against Petra Martic
The big-hitting Belarussian kicked off the tournament with a win under her belt. The world number two Aryna Sabalenka took on Petra Martic and defeated her 6-3, 7-6(5) in straight sets.
She breezed through the opening set but had to fight tooth and nail for victory in the second. Martic was leading 3-0 in the second and was serving for the set at 5-3 when Aryna clawed back into the game.
No.2 seed through in ✌️@SabalenkaA closes out Martic 6-3, 7-6 under the lights in Montreal!#NBO23 pic.twitter.com/1JMuVREUTt
— Omnium Banque Nationale (@OBNmontreal) August 10, 2023
Sabalenka leaned into her strengths to break Martic and win back the serve. The set went into a decider, and Aryna came back from behind to win it.
This was Sabalenka’s first match since losing the Wimbledon semifinal to Ons Jabeur. While Sabalenka has made deep runs in previous tournaments, she got eliminated during crucial stages. Aryna will have to shrug off her disappointments to go all the way during the hardcourt season.