Three years ago, Elena Rybakina stood on the other side of the net as Aryna Sabalenka hoisted her first Grand Slam trophy. That day, Sabalenka played bold, aggressive tennis-stepping in, hitting her spots, and serving with fearless precision. Rybakina took notes.
Fast forward to now, and Rybakina made it clear: she didn’t just remember that match-she learned from it.
“I remember that she stepped in,” Rybakina said. “She went for her shots. She was serving really well, and I think she was even risking a little bit because the second serve was going almost as first.”
It wasn’t just admiration. It was a blueprint.
“I knew that today if I get a chance to lead that I will need to try also kind of some risky shots and just go for it,” she added. “Not wait for any mistakes or even get to the long rallies.”
That mindset shift matters. Rybakina, known for her calm demeanor and controlled power, showed that she’s not just capable of absorbing pace-she can deliver it, too, when the moment demands it. The lesson from 2023 wasn’t just about Sabalenka’s power, it was about her willingness to play on her own terms, even when the margins were razor-thin.
As for Sabalenka, that 2023 title was supposed to be the start of something bigger. And in many ways, it was.
Three Grand Slam titles, a climb to the No. 1 ranking-those are undeniable achievements. But the flip side?
Four major final losses, all in three-set battles where she entered as the favorite. That’s the kind of stat that sticks with a player, especially one as emotionally charged as Sabalenka.
In the aftermath, she didn’t hide from the moment. True to form, Sabalenka was candid, even self-deprecating.
“My team is trying to avoid and escape me because they see that it’s not really healthy to be around me right now,” she joked.
That’s Sabalenka in a nutshell-raw, real, and wearing her heart on her sleeve. She’s a powerhouse with a game built to dominate, but the emotional rollercoaster is part of the package.
When it all clicks, she’s nearly unstoppable. But when the pressure mounts, the volatility can seep in.
This latest chapter between Rybakina and Sabalenka isn’t just about a match-it’s about growth, resilience, and two of the game’s biggest hitters pushing each other to evolve. Rybakina showed she’s not just learning-she’s applying. And Sabalenka, for all her highs and heartbreaks, remains one of the most compelling figures in the sport.
In women’s tennis right now, this rivalry is one to watch-not just for the power and precision, but for the mental chess match that’s unfolding with every swing.