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31 Mar 2025 | 13.37
The 2.0 version of Aryna Sabalenka has entered the WTA circuit. This was demonstrated by the Belarusian winning the title at the Miami Open 2025, her first major achievement of the year, although the signs were there well before. Defeats against Madison Keys in the Australian final and Mirra Andreeva in Indian Wells caused some dismay among many fans, but the performance of the world number one on American soil has restored confidence for reasons that go far beyond the title: Sabalenka continues to evolve as a player, and the facets she is adding to her game make her even more dangerous.
Because Aryna has realized that hitting harder than anyone will get you so far... but there is a much higher limit. A much higher ceiling. The arrival of young talents capable of changing the game and easily switching directions has prompted certain reflections, reflections that she now integrates into her game with the confidence of someone who blindly trusts in her work and skills. The new version of the Belarusian alternates fast points with low shots, adds variations like slices to her game, and begins to become comfortable with changes of pace. 20% of her shots in Miami were sliced, a statistic that speaks volumes: Aryna is learning to be a more versatile player. She herself knows, in fact, that she needs it to sustain her reign at the top.
"I love seeing variety in my game. I believe it is very important for my game to have that arsenal, as hitting too hard is not enough to be the best player in the world. We have worked very hard to see those numbers; it is something very special and important for us. The variety in my game is an aspect we will continue to work on", Aryna stated in a conversation with the WTA, reflecting an unwavering mentality to keep adding layers to her game and, therefore, becoming even more unpredictable for the rest of the women's circuit.
THREE FINALS, MORE WINS THAN ANYONE... AND IMPROVED TENNIS
The lack of titles overshadowed a season that, up to now, is almost impeccable in terms of records. Sabalenka has won more matches than anyone (23), has hit more winners than anyone (716), boasts a 12-2 record in her last 14 matches against the top-10, and holds a lead of over 3,000 points over her closest pursuer, Iga Swiatek. Once again, the numbers are only a small part of the equation, and no one better than her rival and victim in the Miami final, Jessica Pegula, to confirm how dangerous the new Aryna is.
"I think her mobility has improved a lot, and she has added slices and drop shots to her game. She has significantly enhanced that kind of shots, those kind of intangibles. Everyone talks about her super-aggressive style of play, but I feel that being able to add those intangibles to her game and vary the game much more makes her aggressiveness even more successful". A perfect definition of where Sabalenka wants to take her game, who, despite distancing herself at the top of the rankings, refuses to even consider numbers until the clay court season.
"I am not thinking about the ranking or the numbers, honestly. It's a good points difference, of course, but I will continue to focus on myself, on improving, and on bringing out my best version every time I step on the court. We will work hard on my physical condition, to ensure that I can endure long exchanges on clay". A more versatile Sabalenka is a threat to the women's circuit. Next stops, Stuttgart and Madrid.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La nueva Sabalenka ya gana títulos: "Golpear de más no es suficiente para ser la mejor"
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