There’s a bit of déjà vu heading into this one. Back in 2023, Aryna Sabalenka came to Rome fresh off a Madrid title—only to be upset in the second round by Sofia Kenin in straight sets. Kenin was solid, and Sabalenka didn’t look quite ready.
Fast forward to 2025, and Sabalenka once again rolls into Rome with the Madrid crown and the No. 1 ranking. This time, she looked sharp in her opener, cruising past Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 6-2. She’ll be well aware of what Kenin can do.
Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 3-1, but all her wins came on hard courts. Kenin, now ranked No. 31, is playing better than she was two years ago and recently reached the Charleston final.
Prediction: Sabalenka should get her revenge this time—she’s sharper, more focused, and likely won’t underestimate Kenin again. Still, expect Kenin to put up a solid fight on clay.
Aryna Sabalenka Biography (2025): Career, Rankings, Grand Slams, and Playing Style
Full Name: Aryna Siarhiejeŭna Sabalenka
Nationality: Belarusian
Born: May 5, 1998
Birthplace: Minsk, Belarus
Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.82 m)
Turned Pro: 2015
Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Coach: Anton Dubrov
Current WTA Singles Ranking (as of May 2025): World No. 2
Sabalenka - Early Life and Background
Aryna Sabalenka was born in Minsk, Belarus, into a sports-oriented family. Her father, Sergey Sabalenka, was a former ice hockey player who introduced her to tennis at age six. Aryna quickly developed a passion for the game and trained at the National Tennis Academy in Minsk, where her aggressive style began to take shape.
She picked up tennis early in her childhood – a dream for many aspirants.
Sabalenka’s early rise was marked by determination, fueled by her father’s dream of seeing her succeed in professional sports. Sadly, Sergey passed away in 2019, but Aryna has continued to honor his memory with every match she plays.
Sabalenka - Junior Career
While Aryna Sabalenka did not have a traditional high-profile ITF Junior circuit career, she made her mark quickly. Instead of competing in major junior Grand Slams, she focused on ITF Pro Circuit events to gain early professional experience. Her strategy paid off as she rapidly transitioned to the WTA Tour, avoiding the usual junior ladder.
Sabalenka - Professional Career Highlights
2017–2018: Breakthrough and Fed Cup Fame
Sabalenka’s breakthrough came during the 2017 Fed Cup, where she helped Belarus reach the final, earning global recognition. In 2018, she won her first WTA title at the Connecticut Open in New Haven and finished the year ranked inside the Top 15.
2018 Highlights:
WTA titles: Wuhan Open, Connecticut Open
Year-end ranking: World No. 11
2019–2020: Establishing Herself
Aryna won three singles titles in 2019, including Wuhan again, and ended the year ranked inside the Top 10 for the first time. In 2020, despite COVID-19 disruptions, she captured three more titles, showing impressive consistency and power.
Key Titles:
Wuhan Open (2018, 2019)
Qatar Open (2020)
Ostrava Open (2020)
2021: Top 5 Debut and Grand Slam Semifinals
2021 was a breakout season for Sabalenka in Grand Slams:
Wimbledon Semifinalist
US Open Semifinalist
She won the Madrid Open, her first WTA 1000 clay title, and peaked at World No. 2 in singles.
2023: Grand Slam Glory
Aryna Sabalenka won her first Grand Slam at the 2023 Australian Open, defeating Elena Rybakina in the final in three sets. Known for her raw power and emotional intensity, Sabalenka finally delivered on the big stage.
Later that year, she reached the final of the US Open, narrowly losing to Coco Gauff in a high-profile battle.
She officially became World No. 1 in singles in September 2023, a career milestone.
2024–2025: Holding Elite Form
In 2024 and early 2025, Sabalenka continued her consistency at Grand Slams and WTA 1000 events:
2024 Australian Open Champion (Back-to-back titles)
2024 US Open Finalist
Maintained a strong rivalry with Iga Świątek and Elena Rybakina
Held a spot in the Top 2 WTA singles rankings
Doubles Career & Partnerships
Aryna Sabalenka is a former World No. 1 in doubles, alongside Belgian partner Elise Mertens. The duo won:
2021 Australian Open (Doubles)
2019 US Open (Doubles)
Multiple WTA Premier 5/1000 titles
Sabalenka and Mertens became the No. 1 ranked doubles team in early 2021.
🏅 Career Achievements
| Category | Achievements |
|---|---|
| Grand Slam Singles | 2 Titles (Australian Open 2023, 2024), 2 Runner-up (US Open 2023, 2024) |
| Grand Slam Doubles | 2 Titles (US Open 2019, Australian Open 2021) |
| WTA Titles | 14 Singles, 6 Doubles (as of May 2025) |
| Highest Ranking | No. 1 (Sept 2023) |
| Fed Cup/BJK Cup | Finalist (2017) |
Playing Style and Strengths
Aryna Sabalenka is known for her explosive power, aggressive baseline play, and booming serve, often clocking over 115 mph. Her two-handed backhand is one of the most formidable on tour.
Despite early struggles with mental control and consistency, especially in pressure moments, Sabalenka has matured significantly since 2022. She’s worked with sports psychologists to channel her emotional energy positively, making her a more complete player.
Signature Strengths:
Massive first serve
Explosive forehand and backhand
Quick court movement for her height
High emotional intensity and fight
What’s Next for Sabalenka?
As of mid-2025, Aryna Sabalenka remains a dominant force in women’s tennis. With her powerful game, improved mental strength, and experience, she is a favorite for upcoming Grand Slams and WTA Finals. Fans continue to expect thrilling rivalries with top players like Świątek, Gauff, and Rybakina.
