Aryna Sabalenka Explains Why She Never Idolized Serena Williams
Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and defending US Open champion, candidly revealed why she never idolized Serena Williams, despite the tennis legend’s profound influence on the sport. In an interview with *Boardroom* ahead of the 2025 US Open, which began August 24, Sabalenka, known for her powerful game reminiscent of Williams, said her focus was always on forging her own path and inspiring the next generation rather than emulating others (*TennisWorldUSA.org*, August 26, 2025).
Sabalenka’s Perspective on Idols
Sabalenka, 27, explained, “Growing up, I didn’t have any idols. I don’t know if it’s good or bad because everyone was inspired by someone, and I want to be an inspiration for the next generation. I think that’s the goal in life” (*TennisWorldUSA.org*). Despite similarities in their aggressive, power-driven styles—Sabalenka’s 133 mph serve is the fastest in women’s tennis—she emphasized her desire to be unique, saying, “Whenever people would call me different names, like current top players, I’d just say, ‘No, I’m Sabalenka’” (*EssentiallySports.com*, August 26, 2025). This mindset drove her to three Grand Slam titles, including the 2024 US Open, and the top ranking since September 2024.
Contrasting Reports and Williams’ Influence
Interestingly, a *Wikipedia* entry cites Sabalenka naming Williams and Maria Sharapova as childhood idols, creating a discrepancy with her recent comments (*en.wikipedia.org*). However, Sabalenka clarified that while she watched and admired Williams’ dominance—23 Grand Slams and unparalleled power—she prioritized carving her own identity. In a 2025 French Open press conference, she even claimed her strokes were more powerful than Williams’ in their 2021 Australian Open clash, which Williams won 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, stating, “She wasn’t really more powerful than me… I didn’t feel like she overpowered me” (*Sportskeeda.com*, June 3, 2025). This confidence underscores her self-focused approach.
