Tennis-Sabalenka equipped with new mindset to handle pressure of 2024 season

Tennis - Exhibition Match - Aryna Sabalenka v Ons Jabeur - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - December 26, 2023 Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka poses with a trophy after winning her exhibition match against Tunisia's Ons Jabeur REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri/File Photo

(Reuters) - Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka does not expect the new season to be easier despite her breakthrough performances at the Grand Slams in 2023, but the world number two said her fearless approach can help her handle any challenges.

Sabalenka claimed her maiden Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park earlier this year and finished runner-up to Coco Gauff at the U.S. Open to briefly top the rankings. She also reached semi finals of the French Open and Wimbledon.