Washington, July 30 (V7N) — Two-time reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka is set to return to competitive play at this week’s WTA Washington Open, following a month-long hiatus due to a shoulder injury. The world number three has been focused on recovery and is aiming to be in top form ahead of the US Open, which begins on August 26.

Sabalenka, who reached the US Open semi-finals in 2021 and 2022 and was the runner-up last year, is looking to regain her competitive edge. “It’s still a way to go to the US Open. I feel like the players in Paris [Olympics] are going to be ready, but they’ll probably take a break and not play much,” she commented. “For me, taking a break was very important. I had tough struggles since March, and it was much needed. Mentally, I feel fresher and more ready to go.”

The Belarusian was unable to compete at the Olympics due to her homeland's ban from sending athletes to Paris in response to its support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Instead, Sabalenka has focused on her rehabilitation and building her confidence back on the court.

“I’m here because I got injured and haven’t played for a while,” Sabalenka said. “I needed to build my confidence and level back up before the US Open. That’s why I’m here—to play some matches.”

Sabalenka, who last competed in Washington in 2017, suffered her shoulder injury last month at Berlin, forcing her to retire from a quarter-final match. She subsequently withdrew from Wimbledon, where she had reached the semi-finals in her previous two appearances.

Describing her decision to withdraw as “very tough,” Sabalenka admitted, “I’ve never pulled out of a tournament due to injury before. Even when injured, I usually still play. But I needed to focus on my health, undergo proper rehab, and come back stronger. The recovery was challenging, with extensive exercises, treatments, and recovery sessions.”

The 26-year-old spent a week and a half focusing on fitness, working out in the hot and humid conditions of Florida. She feels that the preparation has helped her adapt to similar conditions in Washington. “Physically, I’m well-prepared after Florida,” she noted. “I hope this injury won’t trouble me again, and I’m looking forward to performing well at the US Open, which is my favorite Grand Slam.”

END/WSD/RH/