Aryna Sabalenka has crashed out of Roland Garros at the quarter-final stage.
Sabalenka led Russia’s Diana Shnaider 6-1, 5-3 and looked to be well on her way to a comfortable victory over the 25th seed.
However, a shocking turn of events occurred on Court Philippe Chatrier.
The world number one conceded 10 consecutive games to lose the match, before claiming that she felt like ‘quitting’ tennis.
What’s next for Aryna Sabalenka after shock French Open exit?
Sabalenka will go down as one of the best players of this generation. However, with only four Grand Slam singles titles to her name, she will need to win many more major titles to be considered a true great of the sport.
With that being said, how does the Belarusian’s Grand Slam tally compare to Serena Williams’ at 28 years old?
Aryna Sabalenka’s Grand Slam record compared to Serena Williams’
As already mentioned, Aryna Sabalenka currently has four Grand Slam singles titles to her name.
She has also won two major titles in women’s doubles: the 2019 US Open and 2021 Australian Open.
By the time Serena Williams turned 29 years old on September 26, 2010, she had 13 Grand Slam singles titles in her cabinet.
Remarkably, Serena also won 12 Grand Slam titles in women’s doubles, and two major mixed doubles titles before turning 29 years old.
This comparison is not intended to disparage Sabalenka’s legacy, but rather to celebrate the unbelievable achievements of Serena Williams.
Winning 27 Grand Slam titles before the age of 29 is an astonishing feat, and Serena should be rightly applauded for her efforts.
The American went on to win 37 Grand Slam titles before her first retirement in 2022.
Serena Williams’ Grand Slam titles
- Australian Open Singles (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017)
- Roland Garros Singles (2002, 2013, 2015)
- Wimbledon Singles (2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016)
- US Open Singles (1999, 2002, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014)
- Australian Open Doubles (2001, 2003, 2009, 2010)
- Roland Garros Doubles (1999, 2010)
- Wimbledon Doubles (2000, 2002, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2016)
- US Open Doubles (1999, 2009)
- Wimbledon Mixed Doubles (1998)
- US Open Mixed Doubles (1998)
Last week, Serena’s return to the WTA Tour was confirmed. The American tennis legend is set to make her first appearance in the competitive arena for four years when she plays doubles alongside Victoria Mboko at the Queen’s Club Championships.
Serena Williams’ last Grand Slam title
Serena Williams last won a Grand Slam title at the 2017 Australian Open.
Serena, the second seed in Melbourne, defeated a young Belinda Bencic, Johanna Konta and Mirjana Lučić-Baroni on her way to the championship showpiece.
In the final, Serena faced off against her sister, Venus.
Serena emerged victorious on this occasion, defeating Venus 6-4, 6-4 in Rod Laver Arena.
Serena, who had won her 23rd Grand Slam singles title, paid tribute to her sister after the match.
“There’s no way I would be at 23 without her. There’s no way I’d be at one without her. She’s my inspiration,” Serena said, as per BBC Sport.
“She’s the only reason I’m standing here today. She’s the only reason the Williams sisters exist. Thank you for inspiring me. Every time you won this week, I felt like I got a win too.”
Serena went on to qualify for a further four Grand Slam singles finals. However, she was defeated on each occasion.
Serena Williams’ last four Grand Slam singles finals
- 2018 Wimbledon: lost to Angelique Kerber
- 2018 US Open: lost to Naomi Osaka
- 2019 Wimbledon: lost to Simona Halep
- 2019 US Open: lost to Bianca Andreescu
Serena qualified for her last major final at the 2019 US Open, but was defeated by 19-year-old Bianca Andreescu in the final.
