Aryna Sabalenka’s remarkable 2024 campaign, highlighted by victories at both hardcourt Grand Slams and a return to the world number one ranking, has positioned her as a commanding force in women’s tennis. The Belarusian powerhouse, once defined by her volatile emotions on the court, now embodies a blend of precision, power, and poise reminiscent of Serena Williams at her peak.
The 26-year-old triumphantly began the year by defending her Australian Open title, setting the tone for what would become a season of dominance. She then captured the U.S. Open trophy in September, dethroning Iga Swiatek as the top-ranked player in the process. Sabalenka’s performances at the majors have been especially impressive; she has reached at least the semi-finals in nine of her last twelve Grand Slam appearances. Comparisons with Serena’s legendary run from 2014 to 2017, when the American claimed six major titles in 10 semi-final outings, are increasingly warranted.
“I’ve always admired the way Serena controlled the game and the tour,” Sabalenka told Arab News ahead of the WTA Finals. “That’s what I aspire to—consistent dominance. But for now, I’m focusing on myself and making sure I’ve got all the tools to succeed.”
Those tools have evolved significantly over the years. With one of the tour’s most powerful serves and devastating groundstrokes, Sabalenka’s potential was evident early. Yet inconsistency, particularly in her service, frequently undermined her efforts. Her technical struggles reached a low point in 2022 when she resorted to underarm serving at Adelaide International, a move born of sheer frustration.
The turning point came with the help of a psychologist and biomechanics coach Gavin MacMillan. Their collaborative efforts before the 2023 season addressed her serving woes and laid the foundation for her maiden Grand Slam victory at the Australian Open. This renewed confidence propelled her to success not only on hard courts but also on other surfaces, as evidenced by her semi-final finishes on the clay of Roland Garros and the grass of Wimbledon.
Sabalenka’s ability to evolve was further highlighted at this year’s U.S. Open. In addition to her signature power game, she employed a deft touch with newly developed drop shots, adding an element of unpredictability to her arsenal. “Five years ago, I’d have laughed if someone told me I’d master this shot,” Sabalenka admitted. “It’s added a whole new dimension to my game.”
Her resilience was on full display during her U.S. Open victory against Jessica Pegula, where she overcame a second-set lapse to close out the match in commanding fashion. Her coach, Anton Dubrov, who has been by her side since 2020, attributes this success to her growing maturity. “Aryna now understands what it takes to stay at the top. Every opponent sees her as the benchmark and plays without fear, which means she must remain at her best or better every time she steps on the court.”
Despite her extraordinary year, challenges loom. Maintaining the top ranking into 2025 will be no small feat, particularly given the relentless pressure and expectations placed on the game’s elite. Still, Sabalenka’s newfound composure and strategic approach suggest she is better equipped than ever to handle what lies ahead.
As the Belarusian enters the next chapter of her career, her goals remain as bold as her game. “It’s not just about winning,” she said. “It’s about creating a legacy, dominating in a way that defines an era.”
With her talent, tenacity, and an ever-expanding skill set, Aryna Sabalenka seems poised to do just that.
