The world number one will be just a single major behind the Pole's tally of five if she wins a third consecutive Australian Open crown this month but the Belarusian is only concentrating on her own achievements.

Sabalenka said: "I love the way we push each other.

"It's not like I'm thinking about her, about her amount of Grand Slams. I'm more focusing on myself, just trying to push myself to the limit and see how far I can get in this sport.

"At the end of my career I want to look back and be proud of myself.

"We'll talk about that at the end of my career."

Sabalenka is "confident" about her chances of defending the title in Melbourne but is refusing to get carried away about her prospects.

The three-time major champion said: "I mean, that's sport. That's why sport is so beautiful, because you cannot be sure about everything. Every time you're out there, you have to compete, you have to fight, you have to show why you are, like, world No. 1 or why you're in [the] top 10. Doesn't matter. You have to show your level, and you have to fight for it.

"I definitely feel confident in my game. I'm just excited. I love playing there. I love to fight for my dream. That's the conditions where I feel really comfortable in. I'm just super excited heading to the Australian Open."

The tournament has been a happy hunting ground for Sabalenka but she doesn't have a specific reason for her success Down Under.

She said: "I don't know what's my secret. I guess I'm working really hard. Everything is surrounded by tennis.

"Tennis is my main priority. I have great people around me. I'm able to have fun off court and be focused on the court.

"I think it's a balance about on and off the court life, be able to work really hard, be focussed on your goals, but at the same time having some fun just so you're not going to drive yourself crazy.

"I think that's pretty much it."