Aryna Sabalenka stands atop the tennis world as the current WTA number one, fresh off a string of incredible victories, including two consecutive Australian Open titles and the 2024 US Open. Her journey, however, has been anything but smooth. Just three years ago, Sabalenka faced a moment so challenging that she nearly walked away from the sport she loves. In a candid interview, she shared the story of how she almost retired from tennis due to a crisis in confidence, spurred by her record-breaking struggles with double faults.
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The Champion’s Breaking Point
In 2022, Sabalenka’s career hit a significant roadblock. Known for her aggressive style of play, the Belarusian star was plagued by double faults that disrupted her game and confidence. She tallied an astonishing 428 double faults during the season, the highest in the WTA Tour that year. This was not a new issue — she had also led the tour in double faults in 2021 and 2020, with totals of 338 and 166, respectively.
The constant mistakes and mounting pressure pushed Sabalenka to the brink. “There was a time I thought, ‘This is it. I am done,’” she admitted in an interview with BAZAAR Australia. “I was double-faulting non-stop, and everything seemed to be going wrong. I felt like quitting.”
Rediscovering Her Love for Tennis
Despite the challenges, Sabalenka refused to let her career end on such a low note. “I realised I had too much love for the sport to walk away,” she explained. “There are so many things behind the scenes that I just couldn’t give up on.”
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Instead of retreating, Sabalenka faced her struggles head-on. She worked tirelessly with her coaching team to address the flaws in her game. By focusing on her serve mechanics, mental resilience, and on-court decision-making, Sabalenka turned her biggest weakness into an area of steady improvement.
The Turning Point
The results of her hard work began to show. In 2023, her double-fault total dropped to 285, ranking fourth on the WTA Tour instead of first. By 2024, she reduced the number further to 205, placing her 18th in the rankings for double faults. In contrast, Coco Gauff topped the list with 430 double faults that year, highlighting just how far Sabalenka had come.
This transformation not only eliminated a critical vulnerability in her game but also reignited her confidence. “That was the turning point in my career,” Sabalenka said. “I had to stay strong, try something new, and figure out how to fix the problem. It taught me that resilience is everything.”
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A Career Renaissance
Since overcoming her struggles, Sabalenka’s career has reached new heights. In 2023, she claimed the Australian Open title by defeating Elena Rybakina, a victory that marked her first Grand Slam win. She followed this with another Australian Open triumph in 2024, where she beat Qinwen Zheng in the final. Later that year, she captured her third Grand Slam title at the US Open, redeeming herself after losing in the 2023 final.
Her recent success at the Brisbane International further cemented her status as the player to beat in 2025. With her powerful baseline game, improved serve, and unrelenting determination, Sabalenka is poised for another dominant run at the Australian Open.
The Battle for WTA Supremacy
Sabalenka’s rise to the top of the WTA rankings in 2024 came after an intense battle with Iga Swiatek. The two players traded victories throughout the season, pushing each other to greater heights. Their rivalry has brought a new level of excitement to women’s tennis, with Sabalenka’s power and aggression contrasting beautifully with Swiatek’s finesse and consistency.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka acknowledges the challenges she will face in maintaining her position at the top. Players like Swiatek and Elena Rybakina continue to pose formidable threats, and emerging stars such as Qinwen Zheng are eager to make their mark. “It took a lot of hard work to get here,” Sabalenka said. “I know it won’t be easy, but I am ready for the challenge.”
An Inspirational Journey
Sabalenka’s story is one of resilience and redemption. From the depths of doubt and near-retirement to the pinnacle of the sport, her journey serves as an inspiration to athletes and fans alike. It is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of addressing adversity head-on.
Now 26 years old, Sabalenka has already achieved more than most players dream of. Yet, she shows no signs of slowing down. As she prepares for the Australian Open, her focus remains unwavering. “There is still so much more I want to achieve,” she said. “I am not done yet.”
Sabalenka’s story reminds us that even the greatest champions face moments of doubt. What sets them apart is their ability to overcome, adapt, and emerge stronger. For Aryna Sabalenka, the future is bright, and the best may still be yet to come.
