Magda Linette sees her semi-final run as result for years of sacrifices

• Magda Linette loses to Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open.
• Polish player will move up to a career-high 22nd place.
• The women’s singles final between Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will take place.

Magda Linette, who was defeated, said on Thursday that her 30th-year-old age and first-ever Grand Slam semifinal appearance were rewards for her years of “hard work and sacrifices.”

Despite falling to Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 (7/1), 6-2 in the finals, the Polish player, ranked 45 in the world, will move up to a career-high 22nd place when the new rankings are announced on Monday.

The women’s singles final between Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will take place at Melbourne Park on Saturday, and surprise package Linette admitted she “will definitely need some relaxation.”

Linette had a fantastic run to her maiden major semifinal, beating four seeded players along the way, including Caroline Garcia of France, who is currently ranked fourth in the world.

However, Sabalenka, the fifth seed, proved to be too much of a challenge. She extended her perfect unbeaten start to 2023 to 10 matches without dropping a set.

“I’m going to give it some thought, for sure. However, I didn’t think I had done much wrong. She did a great job playing “Linette informed the media.

Linette underwent knee surgery two years ago and was in excruciating agony. The journey to get here has been a lengthy one.

“I’m really thrilled that I was able to maintain the level for so long and still come out today, on such a huge event, and feel like I belong here and play tennis.”

Linette responded, “Plenty actually. I’ll probably realize what just happened in a week or two.

“But it’s been so rewarding for all of our hard work, all of our sacrifices, all these years on tour, so many Grand Slams,” she remarked.

“It was my 30th try. It’s quite satisfying because I required more than a few of tries.”

Also Read

French Open: Magda Linette stuns Ons Jabeur

Ons Jabeur of Tunisia was the first major casualty on the first...