By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday, January 15, 2025
There’s no denying that Aryna Sabalenka is currently the queen of hard courts in women’s tennis. With an impressive 16-match winning streak at major tournaments on hard surfaces, she is on the verge of making history as the first woman since 1999 to clinch three consecutive titles at the Australian Open.
So what fuels Sabalenka’s unstoppable momentum? Jessica Pegula, who advanced to the third round in Australia, offered her insights after defeating Elise Mertens.
Where should we begin? Let’s turn our attention to her serve.
“Previously, she had a powerful serve, but now it’s far more controlled and consistent,” Pegula commented. “That variable you relied on to falter just doesn’t happen as often anymore.”
And let’s not overlook her footwork.
“Her movement has seen significant improvements,” Pegula noted.
In addition, Sabalenka has begun integrating finesse and touch into her traditionally powerful game.
“She’s undeniably a power player who can dominate the match, but I’ve observed her adding more slices, drop shots, and net play,” Pegula shared her observations.
The stats speak for themselves, Pegula asserts. Sabalenka’s elevation as a player is reflected in her impressive track record.
“Her overall game has become noticeably better,” Pegula said, hinting at a possible semifinal clash should she overcome a challenging section of the draw featuring third seed Coco Gauff. “That’s why her recent successes are no coincidence. She’s advanced in numerous areas. Hats off to her and her team for the progress.”
Pegula remarked that the days of Sabalenka’s unpredictable play, where she would gift points away due to erratic moments, are behind her. Now, she embodies a new level of consistency, showcasing an astute understanding of her game, ready to adapt even when her usual strengths falter.
“In the past, playing against her, it felt like something would inevitably fall apart—be it her movement, precision, or serve. Now, that unpredictability has diminished,” Pegula explained. “If one aspect goes awry, she has other tricks up her sleeve that catch you off guard.”
“She’s evolved into a remarkably complete player, balancing power with aggression, making it tough for opponents. I think that’s why she can heat up for a couple of weeks at a time. Yes, she’s truly a complete player at this moment.”
