Sabalenka, more armed than ever

Fernando Murciego | 14 Oct 2024 | 20.48

Aryna Sabalenka poses with her third trophy in Wuhan. Source: Getty

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Aryna Sabalenka once again confirmed that the Asian tour suits her perfectly, lifting the WTA Wuhan 2024 trophy and thus securing her third consecutive crown at the event. Another hard-court trophy to add to her collection, taking advantage of an unstoppable streak in this end-of-season period where she has found no rivals. In a chat with WTA Insider, as is customary after each tournament, the Minsk native took the opportunity to highlight some factors that help understand the reasons for her evolution as a player.

“I have improved a lot in recent years, that is the truth. Now I can approach the net, I can finish the point in different ways, I can even use my touch. Let's say I have a bit more variety in my arsenal. Something inside me pushed me to work for those days when I couldn’t push the ball as I like, having the option to slice, use spins, or come to the net. It reminded me over and over again how beautiful it would be to have so many tools in my arsenal, not just hitting the ball hard,” acknowledges the World No. 2, though getting closer to the top.

For now, where she stands tall is in the Race of 2024, displacing Iga Swiatek from that privileged position and thus becoming the best tennis player of the year. As the only player to surpass the 9,000-point mark in these ten months – specifically, 9,091 – the Belarusian directed all her energy since the return of the American hard-court tour, where she began winning relentlessly to completely dethrone the Polish player, who didn't even participate in this Asian swing after parting ways with her coach. Sabalenka is in such good form that she even talks about an upgraded version with many more weapons than before.

“I love to practice that kind of game that requires a bit more touch; I know perfectly well what it can bring to my tennis. On the other hand, I don't think I will ever forget how to hit the ball, but I am aware that my opponent will feel much more pressure if I can hit the ball hard and also mix those shots with others that require a bit more finesse. For me, it is a very good sign to have put it into practice in conditions like those in Wuhan: if I could do it here, I am sure I can also do it on clay,” states the 26-year-old tennis player.

THE KEY TO HER CONSISTENCY

We always knew that Sabalenka had the talent to win, not one but multiple Grand Slams. What we didn't expect was to see the Belarusian with this level of consistency, a streak that has made her the true standout on the circuit, the player who always excels in every tournament and on every tour, regardless of the surface. Nothing is by chance in Aryna's present, who dares to reveal what ingredients are allowing her to make fewer mistakes than ever throughout this season.

“The key is to find a certain balance, because we play many tournaments in a year. There are many tough battles, very challenging obstacles to overcome, a multitude of challenges. To be ready for the highest level, it is important to have free time, quality time, so that when you are at the tournament, you can give it your all. And then, after the tournament, being able to rest a bit and start again. It all comes with experience; it takes time to understand oneself, the truth is I don't know how I was able to change my mindset in this way, 2-3 years ago I was a completely different player,” she evaluated confidently.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka, más armada que nunca