'Tough lessons' helping Sabalenka ahead of US Open defence

NEW YORK, Aug 22, (AFP): World number one Aryna Sabalenka believes she is ready to hit her peak as she prepares to launch the defence of her US Open crown after a tumultuous season of near-misses.
The 27-year-old from Belarus arrives at Flushing Meadows sitting on top of the global rankings despite a year in which she has failed to add to her tally of three Grand Slam singles titles.
Although her return at the Cincinnati Open ended in a straight sets defeat to Elena Rybakina in the quarter-finals, a relaxed Sabalenka says she is in a positive mood heading to New York.
"I've had a pretty good season so far in the Slams. Lost those two finals but I learned really tough lessons," Sabalenka said.
"I lost in semis at Wimbledon but the consistency is there.
"I really hope those tough lessons are going to help me.”