Aryna Sabalenka is a Taurus –but she says she's always felt closer to her Lunar Zodiac. Being born in the Year of the Tiger she sees more of herself here, "it determines myself a lot on the court." In fact, she affectionately calls her crew 'team tiger'.

The two-time defending champion of the Australian Open has a great deal of pressure on her shoulders. If she wins this year, she'll take her rightful place in history. But she embrace this experience. Welcoming it with excitement rather than nerves, she expresses that "it’s a privilege to feel that pressure". Sabalenka is no stranger to adversity, but managing these experiences through non-negotiable recovery days and relying on the people close to her has been her North Star.

Here, Sabalenka talks to RUSSH about her training and wellness, the Australian Open and the book she's reading right now.

Would you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?

I think I’m a mix. I can be super outgoing, especially around my team or on the court. But when I get home, I need my quiet time.

How are you feeling about the new season? What have you been doing to prepare since the WTA Finals?

I’m feeling ready! The off-season is always about hard work, but it’s also a time to reset mentally. After the WTA Finals, I focused on both physical and mental recovery, staying accountable to my routine.

I always love playing at the Australian Open. The crowd and atmosphere is so special, and of course with my past wins here I feel so excited to come back.

How do you and the team like to train ahead of a new year? Do you have a routine, or do you keep things fluid?

We have a mix of structure and flexibility. There’s a lot of fitness and drills, but my team keeps it interesting so I don’t get bored.

I keep a super close eye on my data. It’s all about balance and checking my recovery, sleep time and HRV on my WHOOP. If my recovery is low, I take it easy. If it’s high, I push hard. Sleep is very important to me.

Do you have any non-negotiables in your routine?

Recovery days. My body needs them. On those days I’m trying to have a good time and enjoy my life by going to some good restaurants and spend good quality time with my people.

I’ve become way more aware of how rest impacts my performance. I’ve learned to listen to my body more, especially when it comes to sleep and recovery. I’ve also been using WHOOP for over five years from now and it really [became] a very important essential for me.

You’re the two-time defending champion of the Australian Open. How do you manage the pressure of that experience?

It’s a privilege to feel that pressure. I try to see it as excitement rather than stress. I remind myself why I love this sport and focus on my game instead of the expectations. Just taking it step-by-step but I don't want to overthink it, I just want to go out there and do my job.

Do you have any tips or tricks for managing stress and anxiety?

Breathing exercises really help me. When I feel stressed, my fitness coach includes a lot of breathing exercises in my routine. Also, a good playlist can change everything.

What are you listening to right now?

It is always a mix and depends on my mood. It might change day-by-day.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

To surround yourself with right people who are really taking care of you and whom you can trust. I’m very happy that I have my team around me and I can call them my family.

Who are some of your personal or sporting heroes? Who do you look up to?

I've always tried not to [have] any heroes, and just look [to] myself. Trying to be a better person and athlete day-by-day.

What are you excited for in the future?

Winning more titles, of course! But also just enjoying the journey. Also, being that person who is inspiring a younger generation.

What advice would you give young people wanting a sporting career?

To achieve your goal no matter how hard or tough circumstances are, you [have to] believe in yourself no matter what people are saying.

What are you reading orwatching at the moment?

My go-to show is The Office. And reading Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. The story is really inspiring and amazing.

What’s your star sign?

A Taurus. They say Taureans are stubborn and determined. But I still would associate myself with tiger much more as I was born in the Year of the Tiger. It determines myself a lot on the court.

Images: Supplied and Instagram