“I don’t know. I like it both, you know. Also good to be tested, like to feel the fight, you know, to activate this fight mode, to feel the pressure a little bit,” she said. “I feel like it’s a good preparation for the second week.”
A fourth showdown against former No.1 Osaka looms. Having fallen to the Japanese star at the US Open eight years ago, Sabalenka has claimed both encounters this season.
The most recent, in the fourth round in Madrid, went the distance before Sabalenka pulled clear.
“I feel like the last one in Madrid was a really tight match, was great level,” she said. “She really stepped in and raised her level in the last match.
“I’m just ready for the fight. I’m ready to go out there to fight for that match, for that win. Ready to do anything it takes to get the win.”