20th November 2024 – (Bengaluru) Aryna Sabalenka’s remarkable 2024 season has positioned her as a formidable force in women’s tennis, as she swept the hardcourt Grand Slams and secured the year-end world number one ranking. The powerful Belarusian, once known for her on-court volatility, has evolved into a ruthlessly efficient player, drawing comparisons to Serena Williams at the height of her powers.
Following her breakthrough victory at the Australian Open last year, Sabalenka successfully defended her title in January and added the U.S. Open crown in September, overtaking Iga Swiatek to claim the top ranking last month. Her impressive form has seen her reach at least the semi-finals in nine of her last 12 Grand Slam appearances, echoing Serena’s dominance during her own peak years.
I always wanted to dominate the tour like Serena did, like Iga was able to do for so long,” Sabalenka conveyed ahead of the WTA Finals, where she solidified her top position despite a semi-final loss to Coco Gauff. “It’s really inspiring… but I’m trying to focus on myself, on improving to ensure I have all the tools to dominate.”
Known for her powerful serve and explosive groundstrokes, Sabalenka’s potential was evident from her rise to second in the world at the end of the 2021 season. However, a high error count and inconsistent serving had previously hindered her progress, leading to frustrations that sometimes culminated in tears on the court.
A pivotal shift occurred when she began working with a psychologist and biomechanics coach Gavin MacMillan, laying the groundwork for her first Grand Slam title. Her subsequent performances were marked by significant improvement, including reaching the semi-finals at both the French Open and Wimbledon.
Despite a heartbreaking loss to Gauff in the U.S. Open final, which saw her express her frustration by smashing her racket, Sabalenka took solace in her ascent to the top of the rankings. Although she briefly relinquished the number one spot to Swiatek after the WTA Finals, she bounced back in 2024, dominating hardcourt tournaments with titles in Wuhan and Cincinnati.
Sabalenka’s increasing comfort under pressure was evident in her playful tradition of signing her coach’s bald head before matches during her successful title run in Melbourne. Her U.S. Open triumph showcased her evolving game, particularly her newfound ability to execute drop shots, adding depth to her already formidable arsenal. “Five years ago, if someone told me I’d finally learn how to do this shot, I’d be laughing,” she reflected.
Former world number one Kim Clijsters praised Sabalenka’s resilience, likening her ability to perform under pressure to that of Serena Williams. Her coach, Anton Dubrov, acknowledged the challenges ahead in maintaining her top ranking but noted her growing maturity and understanding of what it takes to succeed at this level.
“Everyone plays against you like they have nothing to lose,” Dubrov explained. “For her, it’s about finding the way to adapt to all situations. She’s much better at doing that now, even when she’s not at her best.” As Sabalenka looks to solidify her legacy in the sport, the parallels to Serena Williams are clear, with the Belarusian poised to make her mark on women’s tennis for years to come.
