Serena Williams Left Behind as Aryna Sabalenka Becomes the Favorite for 2x Grand Slam Winner in a Bold Take
In 2020, Gabriela Sabatini, when asked which modern player she’d love to face, declared, “I think it will be Serena (Williams) for her successful career and for what she represents in the history of tennis.” With 23 Grand Slam titles and four Olympic gold medals, Serena Williams created an unrivaled legacy in the sport. However, as the 2025 clay-court season approaches, Sabatini’s stance seems to have shifted. The two-time Grand Slam winner is now backing Aryna Sabalenka, the current World No. 1, whose powerful and explosive form is turning heads. What’s behind this surprising change?
Sabatini was a force on the tennis scene throughout the late 80s and early 90s. She reached four Australian Open semifinals, five French Open semifinals, and the Wimbledon final in 1991. Her most significant victory came in New York with her US Open title in 1990. With a career-high world ranking of 3 in 1989, she was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2006. After retiring early at 26 due to a persistent injury, Sabatini has stayed closely connected to the sport, making waves with her shifting perspective on the current tennis landscape.
On April 5, 2025, Roland-Garros’ official Instagram page posted a video featuring two of Argentina’s greatest tennis icons: Gabriela Sabatini and Juan Martín del Potro. Del Potro, the retired ATP star, asked Sabatini to name her top five tennis legends.
Sabatini’s list raised eyebrows as she placed Iga Swiatek in 5th, Margaret Court in 4th, and Justine Henin in 3rd. Serena Williams, arguably the greatest player in tennis history, ranked 2nd. The surprise choice for the top spot? Aryna Sabalenka, who is dominating the women’s circuit. The caption from the post read: “Top 5 from @sabatinigaby! 👀🎾We made a surprise top 5 list of tennis players with the Argentine legend! 🇦🇷🔥 Well done @arynasabalenka for another win this year😅.”
Sabalenka’s impressive form cannot be overlooked. Just recently, she claimed her maiden Miami Open title, defeating Jessica Pegula in the final. Comparing Sabalenka to Serena invites a closer look at their careers. Serena, who debuted in 1995 at just 14 years old, amassed 23 Grand Slam singles titles and 6 doubles titles with her sister Venus by the age of 26. In contrast, Sabalenka, while a formidable force with 3 Grand Slam titles, still has a long way to go to match Serena’s unparalleled achievements.
Serena, however, is no longer on the tennis tour. Today, her life revolves around motherhood. Serena recently shared a heartwarming moment with her daughter Adira on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse into her life off the court.
Is Sabatini’s choice of Sabalenka over Serena a bold move or a disrespect to tennis history?
Serena Williams is not just a tennis icon; she redefined the sport with her fierce determination, signature fist pumps, and iconic celebrations. Did you know she even learned French to connect better with the Roland-Garros crowd? Yet now, as a mother to Olympia and Adira, Serena’s legacy extends beyond tennis courts.
Recently, Serena posted an adorable video of herself teaching Adira her famous “Come on!” chant while they played together. The sight of Adira mimicking her mother’s iconic celebration was deeply nostalgic, reminiscent of Serena’s legendary career.
Serena’s legacy lives on through the fiery spirit of Aryna Sabalenka, who now carries the torch of powerful tennis. But can Sabalenka reach the same monumental heights Serena achieved over her two-decade career? What do you think?
