Coach Anton Dubrov on the secret behind Aryna Sabalenka’s return to No. 1 spot in women’s tennis

Aryna Sabalenka capped off her 2024 season in style, celebrating her year-end No. 1 ranking with a trophy photoshoot in Riyadh. Despite falling to Coco Gauff in the WTA Finals semifinals, Sabalenka’s remarkable season included two Grand Slam victories (Australian Open and US Open), two WTA 1000 titles (Cincinnati and Wuhan), and reclaiming the top spot in the rankings.

Reflecting on her journey, Sabalenka expressed pride in her accomplishments. “I think I achieved a lot this season. There is no room for disappointment,” she said, adding that she feels “mentally more ready” to handle the pressures of being world No. 1 in her second stint at the summit.

Her coach, Anton Dubrov, echoed these sentiments, attributing her growth to increased maturity and adaptability. “To stay at this level, you always have to be consistent or even higher,” Dubrov told Arab News. He highlighted her ability to adjust to challenges, even when not playing her best tennis.

Dubrov first saw Sabalenka’s potential when she was just 14, and their partnership has flourished since he became her coach in 2020. He praised her work ethic, openness to change, and willingness to embrace new techniques, which he called one of her unique talents. “If she’s convinced something will help her improve, she implements it immediately—both in practice and in matches,” he noted.

This adaptability proved crucial during the 2022 season when Sabalenka struggled with double faults. Together, they sought help from biomechanics coach Gavin MacMillan, demonstrating their commitment to constant improvement. Dubrov emphasized the importance of continual growth: “If we’re still working together, it’s because we see progress. If not, we need to find new approaches or make changes.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Sabalenka and her team aim to conquer new challenges, particularly at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. While she has excelled on hard courts, translating that success to clay and grass remains a key focus. “It’s about managing preparation and adapting to different surfaces,” Dubrov explained.

With her fierce determination, openness to learning, and a supportive team, Sabalenka is poised to build on her stellar 2024 season. Tennis fans can expect her to remain a dominant force on the tour as she continues to chase greatness.