Aryna Sabalenka’s emergence as a top player has been a journey resembling her playing style.
Fast. And forceful.
X-factor
Everything about Sabalenka – power, intensity, physique and presentation – are eye-catching.
The Belarusian, who returns to WTA action in Lexington next week, has a booming serve, full-blooded groundstrokes and fearless attitude that have earned her the nickname “warrior princess” - and a growing legion of fans.
Perhaps “tiger” would be more appropriate, given the roaring tattoo Sabalenka sports on her left forearm.
And there are also her martial arts skills, which while not applicable to tennis, enhance her reputation as a fearsome fighter.
On court
She first appeared on radars in 2017 as an integral part of the Belarus Fed Cup team that reached its first ever World Group final, and by reaching her first WTA final in Tianjin in October to crack the top 100.
But in 2018 she truly surged; then 20, Sabalenka was arguably the best player in the second half of the season.
Ranked 45th entering Eastbourne in June, she rose to No.11 in early October – having been ranked No.102 a year earlier – thanks to winning 27 of 35 matches. During that span she won two titles from three finals and went 8-2 against top-10 opponents.
She peaked at No.9 in February 2019, and overcame a lean patch to close the season strongly, winning 10 of 11 matches, defending her Wuhan title and winning Zhuhai’s WTA Elite Trophy.
Sabalenka opened 2020 with a semifinal in Adelaide – thumping fourth-ranked Simona Halep along the way – and won the last tournament she played in Doha.
Alongside her singles success has been an excellent partnership with Elise Mertens, which in 2019 delivered trophies at Indian Wells, Miami and the US Open and earned Sabalenka a top-five doubles ranking.
Off court
A happy, free spirit, the 22-year-old has embraced the European summer during tennis’ coronavirus suspension, with time outdoors, enjoying good food and cocktails and spending time with friends and family.
Sabalenka, who would like to try modelling outside of tennis, has also dived headfirst into the world of dancing on TikTok.
@saba_a05 ♬ I Kissed a Girl - Jive Bunny
Yet the Belarusian has also endured tragedy, with her father passing away in late 2019.
“My dad wanted me to be No.1 and I’m doing it for him so that’s what is helping me to be strong right now,” she revealed in Adelaide in January, before dedicating her Doha title to him.
Notable stat
Sabalenka’s happiest hunting ground is China, where she has won four of her six career titles and 34 of her past 42 matches.
She said...
On hostile crowds: “I don’t have to hear them. I have to be really focused. They can do whatever they want, but they can’t control me … Nobody can control me since I was 15 years old.”
Experts are saying…
“I love this woman. She hasn’t really needed to learn a lot of defence yet, because her offence is so sensational. She hits such a hard ball. She’s very big, very fit. Totally dig her shoulders. Love her smile. Love her attitude. She’s a hard worker. I think she’s very ambitious. She’s a warrior princess. She is big babe tennis personified. I really want her to come out in warrior gear.”
– former pro and tennis analyst Mary Carillo