Aryna Sabalenka Reflects on Meeting Andre Agassi in Las Vegas
World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka is currently competing at the Indian Wells Masters, aiming for her second title of the season. However, before heading to California, she made a stop in Las Vegas to take part in the MGM Rewards Slam, an exhibition match against Naomi Osaka.
During her time in Vegas, Sabalenka had the opportunity to meet and interact with eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi, an experience she described as both insightful and inspiring.
Sabalenka on Training and Chatting with Agassi
Sabalenka claimed a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Osaka in the exhibition, but one of the biggest highlights of her trip was the chance to practice with Agassi and receive advice from the legendary American.
Speaking to Tennis Channel, the Belarusian expressed her admiration for Agassi’s game, even years after his retirement.
“We actually had a great chat after the exhibition. He gave me his advice on tennis, which is actually working, so thank you, Andre,” she said.
She was particularly impressed by Agassi’s precision and technique, despite his claims that he doesn’t train regularly.
“He’s such a nice guy, and his timing and tennis are still really good. I was really impressed by his timing, and he was like, ‘Oh, I’m not training that much, I’m not playing tennis.’”
She humorously admitted that Agassi’s serve looked more efficient than hers, even though he insisted he wasn’t in top form.
“Then he serves, and his serve is better than mine in terms of timing, and I was like, ‘Okay, I think we’re doing something wrong.’ But it was fun playing that exhibition, and especially with Andre, it was fun.”
Agassi’s Assessment of Sabalenka’s Game
Agassi, who watched Sabalenka closely during the MGM Rewards Slam, was full of praise for her powerful shot-making but also pointed out an area where she could improve.
“Aryna, the power she can hit the ball with is remarkable. The backhand is very solid, the forehand a bomb,” he said.
However, he noted that she swings at full power too often, suggesting she could benefit from dialing it down slightly for better control.
“I think she swings at it 100%, and that is a great thing to watch, but an unnecessary thing to do because her 85% would get even better direction and would be incredibly effective still.”
Agassi also observed a change in her serve toss, something she had worked on previously.
“Her serve—she has changed her toss and put it down a lot, but this year it looks like it has crept back up a bit. So I don’t know what is going on, I’ll check that out!”
With Agassi’s insights and her own relentless drive to improve, Sabalenka will look to refine her game as she continues her quest for more success on the WTA Tour.
