Sabalenka credits last year's broken serve as turning point in career
WTA
Aryna Sabalenka has given a fascinating insight into how the significant issues she had on serve have proven to be a turning point.
Sabalenka endured a challenging 2022 season. She finished as the runner-up at the WTA Finals to Caroline Garcia. However, the Belarusian failed to win any titles, and her season was less impressive than in 2021.
A significant reason for Sabalenka's difficulties in 2022 was her serve. The three-time Grand Slam semifinalist had major issues with hitting several double faults in matches, putting herself under huge pressure.
Sabalenka's first serve has always been powerful and formidable when she lands it, although it used to lack consistency. The biggest problem was on the second serve because of how many cheap points she gave away in double faults.
To Sabalenka and her team's credit, they worked hard on the issue, generating noticeable results. Her serve improved during the closing months of 2022, and she has carried that momentum into 2023.
The former world No. 2 made a statement by beginning her season by beating teenage prodigy Linda Noskova in the final of the Adelaide International 1. Sabalenka has built on the momentum from that title run at the Australian Open.
Last year's US Open semifinalist reached the quarterfinal in Melbourne without dropping a set. After beating Belinda Bencic in the fourth round, Sabalenka spoke about how valuable the experience of her serving struggles was.
"I don’t want to say this, but I’m super happy that this thing with my serve happened to me. Before I wouldn’t be really open for that. I would be like, you know what, my serve is fine, I don’t want to change anything. (But) actually, even when my serve was working, it wasn’t really right. I’m super happy that it’s happened to me."
"I’m super happy with the win and the level today on the court. She’s an unbelievable player. I didn’t start well in the beginning but was able to come back in the match. It was a great match.”
