Life on the tennis court has not always been so comfortable for Aryna Sabalenka.
Sabalenka has just won her second US Open Women’s Singles title and her fourth Grand Slam singles title in total. The 27-year-old is a picture of confidence every time she steps foot on a tennis court, especially on hard courts, where she has been so successful.
The Belarusian has come a long way, battling through severe serving struggles that hampered the early stages of her career, and struggling to deal with the pressure of playing at some of the world’s biggest tennis tournaments.
Back in 2021, Sabalenka acknowledged the impact of pressure on her tennis, admitting that she was struggling to deal with her emotions while playing in Grand Slam events.
Aryna Sabalenka thought she would never make it to the second week of a Grand Slam
In 2021, 23-year-old Aryna Sabalenka was the second seed at Wimbledon and a clear contender for the title.
However, the Belarusian had failed to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final in 15 attempts. She would overcome this hurdle after defeating Elena Rybakina in the fourth round.
After reaching and winning her first Grand Slam quarter-final, Sabalenka admitted she thought she would never make it to the second week of a Grand Slam.
As per the Wimbledon website, she said: “I was struggling on the Grand Slams with all emotions going through. After every Slam I was so disappointed about myself that I can’t handle this pressure.
“I actually thought that I will never make it to the second week.
“We worked a lot with my psychologist and with my coach. I’m really happy that here in Wimbledon I’m in the second week.
“I’m still in the tournament, and I still have this opportunity to win a slam. I will do everything I can to reach my goal.”
After her most recent Grand Slam triumph at the 2025 US Open, Sabalenka painted a different picture regarding her emotions.
As per The Guardian, she said: “Going into this final I decided for myself that I’m going to control my emotions.
“I’m not going to let them take control over me, and it doesn’t matter what happens in the match. If she breaks me back or if she plays incredible tennis – of course, it’s a final, and she’s going to be fighting.”
Sabalenka lost to Karolina Pliskova in the 2021 Wimbledon Championships semi-finals
A young Sabalenka defeated Ons Jabeur 6-4 6-3 in the Wimbledon quarter-finals on Centre Court to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final.
However, despite taking the first set against Karolina Pliskova, Sabalenka went on to lose the last-four match, 7-5 4-6 4-6.
Sabalenka would have to wait 18 months for her first Grand Slam triumph, at the 2023 Australian Open.
Sabalenka is yet to capture a Wimbledon title. However, her time will surely come if she can keep up the form she has demonstrated across Grand Slam tournaments in the last year.
After all, she has reached the semi-final stage or better at all four Grand Slam tournaments in 2025, including appearances in three Grand Slam finals.
