From Double Faults to Grand Slam Glory: The Inspiring Journey of Aryna Sabalenka

On January 28, Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka triumphed at the Australian Open, one of the four prestigious Grand Slam tournaments. Let’s delve into her journey, her dreams, the challenges she overcame, and the factors that propelled her to victory.

The Grand Slam Tournaments

The Australian Open is one of the four major annual Grand Slam tournaments, which have been held since 1905 and are open to participants from all countries. This year, athletes from Belarus and Russia were allowed to compete under a neutral flag, and Sabalenka did just that.

Sabalenka’s Historic Win

Aryna Sabalenka is the second Belarusian to win the Australian Open, following in the footsteps of Victoria Azarenka, who achieved this feat a decade ago. Unlike Azarenka, Sabalenka competed under a neutral flag, a condition imposed on athletes from Belarus and Russia this year. Sabalenka currently resides in Miami.

From ‘Queen of Double Faults’ to Champion

Sabalenka began playing tennis at the age of six. Despite her physical prowess and strong will to win, she did not achieve significant success in the junior league. However, she quickly rose through the ranks in adult tennis, securing 11 singles titles and six doubles titles, and soon found herself among the top four tennis players.

Despite her success, Sabalenka struggled with her serve, earning her the nickname ‘Queen of Double Faults.’ She led the anti-ranking with 428 double faults last season. Her coach, Anton Dubrov, even suggested ending their collaboration, feeling helpless in addressing her issues.

However, Sabalenka and her team worked tirelessly to overcome this problem. This season, her double faults significantly decreased, paving the way for her victory. Sabalenka reflected on her journey, stating, “I feel like I needed all those losses to understand myself better. It was a kind of preparation for me. I am truly happy that I lost those matches. Now I am a different player, a different Aryna.”

Dreaming of Wimbledon

Sabalenka’s first coach, Elena Vergeenko, once asked her students to write about their dreams. Sabalenka wrote, “I want to win Wimbledon.” Even during warm-ups, she always aimed to be first, pushing others aside. When her coach told her that her position did not matter, Sabalenka would respond, “I don’t want to be fifth or tenth. Only first!”

This drive to be the best seems to be inherited from her father, a former hockey player who introduced her to sports and supported her for many years. In 2019, her father passed away from fulminant meningitis, a loss that deeply affected Sabalenka.

“Dad, I miss you so much… I’m sorry I’m not yet a Grand Slam champion,” she once wrote. In another interview, she shared, “I just try to fight because my dad wanted me to be No. 1, so I do it for him, and this thought gives me strength.”

Family Support and Future Goals

Sabalenka’s family, including her mother and younger sister Antonina, have been a constant source of support. Her mother often posts touching messages about her daughter on social media, and the sisters frequently arrange captivating photo sessions together.

Despite her initial reluctance to work with a sports psychologist, Sabalenka has shown remarkable mental strength. She once said, “Do I work with a psychologist? To be honest, I decided to stop working with a psychologist. I realized that no one can help me except myself.”

Looking ahead, Sabalenka aims to continue her winning streak and fulfill her childhood dream of winning Wimbledon. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the power of perseverance and self-belief.

For more information about the Grand Slam tournaments, you can visit the Wikipedia page on Grand Slam (tennis).