Aryna Sabalenka’s meteoric rise to the top of the tennis world has been fueled by her explosive power, particularly on her forehand. As the World No. 1, Sabalenka’s forehand has become one of the most talked-about shots in women’s tennis, but what sets it apart from others, including some of the best men’s players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner? According to Sabalenka’s coach, Anton Dubrov, the answer lies in a combination of technique, athleticism, and mindset that is rare even on the men’s tour.
A Forehand That Defies Expectations
When you think of the fastest forehands in tennis, many people automatically think of the big-hitting men’s players like Alcaraz, Sinner, or even Novak Djokovic. However, Sabalenka’s forehand has turned heads by not only matching but often surpassing the speed of shots hit by some of the men’s top players.
Sabalenka’s forehand has consistently clocked speeds above 100 mph (160 km/h), putting her in elite company among both male and female players. For context, her forehand rivals the speed of some of the best men in the game, and it’s not just about raw power—there’s a level of control and precision that Sabalenka has perfected, making her a formidable opponent.
Anton Dubrov’s Insight into Sabalenka’s Power
Anton Dubrov, who has coached Sabalenka to the top of the WTA rankings, recently opened up about what makes her forehand so effective. “Aryna has an extraordinary combination of strength and flexibility,” Dubrov explained. “It’s not just the speed of the shot, it’s the way she generates that power. Her biomechanics are so precise, and her ability to accelerate through the ball with such consistency is what makes her forehand stand out.”
Dubrov also emphasized Sabalenka’s incredible work ethic. While most players would focus on technique, Sabalenka pushes her physical limits with her strength training and fitness regimen. Her exceptional hand-eye coordination, combined with her raw athleticism, allows her to strike the ball with an almost unnatural level of power and precision.
The Key to Sabalenka’s Forehand: The Balance of Power and Control
The speed of Sabalenka’s forehand is not just a matter of strength, though. According to Dubrov, it’s the balance between power and control that sets her apart. “She has the ability to hit the ball hard, but it’s always directed. Aryna is able to find that sweet spot where the ball’s speed doesn’t sacrifice accuracy,” he noted.
Sabalenka’s aggressive playing style is complemented by her ability to dictate points from the baseline. Her forehand not only covers a large portion of the court, but it also allows her to hit winners from almost anywhere, keeping her opponents on their toes.
This combination of strength, technique, and the mental toughness to execute under pressure is what makes her forehand faster and more dangerous than the likes of Alcaraz, Sinner, or any player on the men’s tour, according to Dubrov.
Mentality: Unleashing Her Full Potential
Perhaps one of the most underrated aspects of Sabalenka’s forehand is her mentality. “Aryna has a warrior’s mindset,” Dubrov explained. “When she steps on court, she knows exactly what she wants to do with every shot. She doesn’t hesitate; she’s decisive.” This decisiveness, combined with her physical gifts, allows her to hit the ball harder than most.
While Alcaraz and Sinner are also known for their aggressive play, Sabalenka’s ability to channel that aggression with control—particularly on her forehand—gives her an edge in power. The psychological aspect of her game cannot be overlooked; Sabalenka knows how to apply pressure with every forehand she hits, making her one of the most feared players in the game today.
Breaking Barriers in Women’s Tennis
Sabalenka’s success with her forehand has not only contributed to her rise in the rankings but also redefined the level of power and athleticism that can be achieved in women’s tennis. Her ability to generate such speed and power has blurred the lines between the men’s and women’s tours, challenging conventional wisdom about what’s possible on the WTA circuit.
With her eye-popping forehand and an ever-improving all-around game, Sabalenka is poised to remain a dominant force for years to come. And according to Dubrov, this is just the beginning of what could be an even more powerful game. “We’re still working on improving her forehand, and it’s something that will continue to evolve,” he said.
As Sabalenka continues to push boundaries, her forehand will undoubtedly remain one of the defining features of her game. And who knows? We may see even more male players looking over their shoulders as this World No. 1 continues to redefine the standards of power in tennis.
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