A lot is expected of young players, regardless of their background, events off court or dealing with scrutiny week in week out on the tour.
Only 22-years-old, Aryna Sabalenka has already been through a lot. The tragic death of her father in late 2019 made the Belarusian rethink.
The world No.7 embraced a new perspective last season, considering tennis within the 'bigger picture'. Obviously wanting to win, but making sure there are elements of fulfilment and enjoyment.
It certainly paid dividends.
Far more composed in battle and considering the weapons at Sabalenka’s disposal, AO 2021 could be where we witness her Grand Slam breakthrough.
So far, the deepest major run in singles for the US Open 2019 doubles champion also came in New York, with a fourth-round appearance in 2018.
The world No.7 hailed a “fresh start” in 2021 but prior to flying Down Under, Sabalenka had accumulated 15 match wins in a row in winning three consecutive titles.
She concluded 2020 with silverware in Ostrava and Linz while harnessing her more level perspective, and maintained that momentum into January with six victories to lift the Abu Dhabi trophy.
That hot streak was halted at Melbourne Park during a turbulent three-set defeat at the hands of Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi in last wek's Gippsland Trophy.
The Sabalenka of the past might have been discouraged, but the 22-year-old has flipped the result into a positive, enabling her to re-evaluate.
“It was a good lesson for me when I lost against Kanepi. Kind of put me back in the reality,” explained the seventh seed on her mental reset for the first Grand Slam of the season.
“That's why I already won two matches here, because I understand that everything can happen again. I was saying that every day is a new day. Still, when you're winning, you kind of have this feeling that it's really tough to lose.
“I'm really lucky that I lost that match against Kanepi. I shouldn't say that. But it was even better to lose that one and kind of switch off, understand that you have to work. It's like kind of push myself into the work, help me for this week.”
The 22-year-old opened her AO 2021 account with a comfortable 6-0 6-4 win against Viktoria Kuzmova. On Wednesday, the dangerous Daria Kasatkina pushed Sabalenka’s mental resolve in a 7-6(5) 6-3 contest.
With world No.69 Ann Li up next, Sabalenka looks well positioned for a maiden fourth round appearance at Melbourne Park.
MORE: All the scores from Day 4 at AO 2021
There’s that expectation combined with the nerves and excitement every player experiences, but Sabalenka is determined to keep controlling her emotions.
“I'm trying to stay calm, but sometimes I'm still getting, like, overexcited and over crazy on the matches. I mean, here in the Grand Slam... I'm trying to keep this mentality, to understand that this is just another tournament,” she said.
“Again, every time you just have to step in on the court and do everything you can to get this win. You have to work for it.
"This kind of thinking helped me to put this pressure away and be there. I think I did it well today against Dasha, but still there was few moments when I get back in the old habits.”
It's about what works for an individual; the processes and routines helping to block out the external noise.
For Sabalenka it’s simple: retreat to your own space to feel more mentally prepared for the Grand Slam arena.
“I'm trying to stay less on-site, to don't put this pressure on myself. It's a lot of people here. Even if you don't want to put this pressure, the situation is putting on the pressure. I'm trying to stay more in the hotel, have nice walk there in the evening, cook for myself, kind of switch off,” said the 22-year-old.
“That's helped me to stay in the moment and kind of be on the Grand Slam, but at the same time understand that this is just another tournament.”
This positive and refreshed perspective could be sternly tested in a projected clash with seven-time champion Serena Williams in the last 16.
Overcome Serena, and Sabalenka might have to prepare for a a lot more cooking this fortnight.