Aryna Sabalenka has firmly established herself as one of the most dominant forces in women’s tennis. The reigning Australian Open champion is known for her ferocious power, relentless aggression, and an unshakable competitive spirit. However, despite her success, even Sabalenka acknowledges that no player is perfect. In a recent interview, the Belarusian star shared her vision of the ultimate tennis player, drawing inspiration from some of the sport’s greatest athletes. From Elena Rybakina’s blistering serve to Ash Barty’s masterful slice, Sabalenka’s dream player is a blend of the best elements the WTA Tour has to offer.
The Power of Rybakina’s Serve
When it comes to serving, Sabalenka didn’t hesitate to highlight Elena Rybakina. The Kazakhstani star possesses one of the most lethal serves in women’s tennis, frequently clocking speeds above 120 mph. Her accuracy and consistency make her a nightmare for opponents, often earning her easy points with aces or unreturnable serves.
“Rybakina’s serve is just incredible,” Sabalenka admitted. “She gets so many free points, and it really helps her dictate play right from the start of the rally.”
A powerful and precise serve can be a game-changer in modern tennis, and it’s no surprise that Sabalenka envisions this as a key weapon in her perfect player.
The Consistency of Iga Swiatek’s Forehand
Sabalenka knows firsthand how devastating Iga Swiatek’s forehand can be. The world No. 1 has built her dominance on this shot, using heavy topspin and deep placement to push opponents far behind the baseline. Swiatek’s ability to turn defense into offense with her forehand has been a crucial part of her success, particularly on clay courts where her high-kicking topspin becomes even more potent.
“She hits with such spin and precision,” Sabalenka said. “It’s not just about power, but about control and consistency. That forehand just keeps coming at you.”
Adding Swiatek’s forehand to her dream player would ensure an unparalleled ability to dictate rallies and wear down opponents.
The Elegance of Ash Barty’s Slice
Ash Barty’s retirement left a void in women’s tennis, but her influence remains. One of her signature weapons was her exquisite backhand slice, which she used to great effect to disrupt rhythm, change pace, and force errors from her opponents. Unlike most players who use the slice primarily for defensive purposes, Barty’s slice was an offensive weapon that allowed her to control rallies and create openings for aggressive follow-ups.
“Ash’s slice was just unreal,” Sabalenka noted. “She could make the ball stay so low that you had no choice but to lift it up, and then she’d punish you.”
The addition of Barty’s slice would bring versatility to Sabalenka’s perfect player, making them a threat on any surface and in any situation.
The Return Prowess of Novak Djokovic
Although Sabalenka focused mostly on female players, when it comes to returning serves, there’s no one better than Novak Djokovic. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has redefined the art of returning, consistently neutralizing even the biggest servers with his impeccable timing and flexibility.
“Novak’s return is insane,” Sabalenka said. “Even against the best servers, he finds a way to put the ball back in play and turn defense into offense.”
If her dream player had Djokovic’s return, they would be an unstoppable force, capable of breaking serve against any opponent.
The Mental Fortitude of Serena Williams
Tennis isn’t just about physical ability—it’s also a mental battle. No one exemplifies mental toughness better than Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion who thrived under pressure and refused to back down from any challenge.
“Serena’s mindset was just different,” Sabalenka said. “She never gave up, no matter the situation. That belief and fight are what made her one of the greatest ever.”
Mental strength is often the difference between winning and losing in high-pressure matches. With Serena’s unwavering confidence and resilience, Sabalenka’s ideal player would be a true champion in every sense.
The Defensive Skills of Simona Halep
Defense wins championships, and few players in recent memory have defended better than Simona Halep. The Romanian’s ability to chase down seemingly impossible shots and turn defense into attack has made her a two-time Grand Slam champion and a former world No. 1.
“Simona’s movement and ability to absorb pace are amazing,” Sabalenka said. “She can get to balls that most players wouldn’t even attempt to reach.”
A perfect player with Halep’s defensive skills would be a nightmare to play against, capable of extending rallies and frustrating even the most aggressive hitters.
Conclusion: A Tennis Superhuman?
By combining the best elements from the WTA and ATP Tours, Sabalenka has crafted a dream player that would be virtually unstoppable. With Rybakina’s serve, Swiatek’s forehand, Barty’s slice, Djokovic’s return, Serena’s mental toughness, and Halep’s defense, this hypothetical tennis superstar would have no weaknesses.
While no single player possesses all these attributes, Sabalenka’s own game continues to evolve as she incorporates different elements from her rivals. Already one of the top players in the world, her hunger for improvement is what makes her a true champion. And who knows? Perhaps one day, Sabalenka herself will come close to embodying the ultimate tennis player she envisions.
Be the first to comment