Sabalenka to return from shoulder injury at Washington Open

Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time reigning Australian Open champion, is making her return to competition at the WTA Washington Open this week after taking a month off due to a shoulder injury.

The world number three is aiming to be as prepared as her competitors currently participating in the Paris Olympics once the US Open commences on August 26th.

"It's still a journey to the US Open. I believe they will be prepared," Sabalenka expressed. "Perhaps they will take a break. They won't be participating in any events.

"In the end, it was crucial for me to take a short break. I faced significant challenges starting from March. It was much needed. Mentally, I feel rejuvenated and more prepared to compete. I will be ready."

Sabalenka made it to the semi-finals of the US Open in 2021 and 2022, and last year, she progressed to the final in New York, where she was defeated by American Coco Gauff.

As the top seed in Washington, Sabalenka was unable to participate in the Olympics due to Belarus being prohibited from sending athletes to Paris because of their support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Sabalenka is eager to return to the court for competition following an extensive period of rehabilitation for her right shoulder.

"I am here because of my injury and the time I spent away from the game," Sabalenka stated.

"I felt the need to regain my confidence and elevate my performance before heading to the US Open. Therefore, I need to engage in some matches, which is why I am here."

Sabalenka, who last competed in Washington back in 2017, sustained a shoulder injury last month in Berlin, which led to her retirement from a quarter-final match. Subsequently, she opted to withdraw from Wimbledon, where she had reached the semi-finals in her two previous appearances.

Expressing her thoughts on the matter, she stated, "It was a difficult decision for me as I have never withdrawn from a tournament due to injury before. Even when I was injured, I would continue playing, pushing through the pain. This was a new experience for me."

However, she made the decision to prioritize her health, undergo proper rehabilitation, and return stronger. The recovery process was challenging, involving two weeks of intense rehab, exercises, treatments, and recovery routines.

Taking a break from the court for a week and a half, Sabalenka focused on improving her fitness. She described the period as filled with continuous exercises, making it hard to switch off completely.

Following her training in hot and humid Florida, she felt physically prepared for the conditions in Washington, which were somewhat more manageable.

Looking ahead, Sabalenka expressed hope that the injury would not hinder her in the future, aiming to participate in the next Grand Slam, her favorite tournament, and perform well there.