World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is refining her game, adding finesse and net play to her already dominant power game. This strategic shift is enhancing her chances on all surfaces, particularly clay, as she aims for even greater success.
Aryna Sabalenka, the undisputed queen of the WTA Tour, is not resting on her laurels. While already possessing a fearsome power game that propelled her to the No. 1 ranking, Sabalenka is actively incorporating a new element into her arsenal: finesse. This evolution, evident in her increased net approaches and drop shot usage, is transforming her from a powerhouse into a more versatile and complete player.
Her coach, Anton Dubrov, acknowledges the ongoing effort to diversify her game. He points out that adding finesse isn't simply a matter of advice; it requires careful timing and strategic decision-making within the flow of each point. The results are already showing – a significant increase in net approaches, rivaling top players known for their aggressive net play. This has been reflected positively in her performance, particularly on hard courts where she has already secured three of the last five major titles.
Stats show a marked improvement in Sabalenka's net game, which has surprised even her coach, reflecting her commitment to evolving her strategy and skillset. This isn't merely about adding new shots, it's about understanding when to use them. Martina Navratilova, a legend of aggressive net play, praises this development, highlighting the importance of controlling points more efficiently by closing the net and ending rallies faster.
Other players, including Jessica Pegula and Caroline Garcia, have also noted Sabalenka’s enhanced movement and creativity on court, which is enabling her to use power more effectively. Garcia explains how her own aggressive style creates opportunities to come to the net with shorter returning balls, proving the advantage of such a strategy.
While the integration of finesse into Sabalenka’s power game is a work in progress, the progress is clear. Dubrov estimates it's about 50-60% complete, and he expects incremental improvement in the coming years. Even the addition of a seemingly simple shot like the drop shot has proven transformative. Sabalenka herself attributes its newfound effectiveness to match experience and practice, admitting that just a few years ago, she wouldn't have dreamt of possessing this skill.
The element of surprise is key. By adding variety, Sabalenka forces opponents to defend differently, adding another layer of complexity and unpredictability to her already formidable game. The successful integration of finesse with her power serves as a testament to Sabalenka's dedication and adaptability, making her an even more challenging opponent and solidifying her position at the top of the women's game.