Aryna Sabalenka explains the big change she’s made to her serve which is now really helping her

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Aryna Sabalenka says improvements on her serve has helped enhance her overall game.

Following a challenging period after winning the Australian Open where she failed to reach the semi-finals at any event, the Belarusian has rediscovered her form on the clay.

After progressing to the Stuttgart Open quarter-final, the 26-year-old came agonisingly close to defending her Madrid Open title, before losing an epic three set battle with Iga Swiatek in the final.

Sabalenka did not let that phase her as she reached her second Italian Open semi-final where she will face the dangerous Danielle Collins.

What did Aryna Sabalenka say about improvements to her serve?

The World Number Two faced a tricky encounter against the ferocious hitter Jelena Ostapenko in the quarter-finals at the Foro Italico.

In what was expected to be a close encounter, the Belarusian made short work of the ninth seed as she cruised to a 6-2, 6-4 victory.

She was flawless on serve, winning 81% of the points behind her first delivery and in the process, did not face any break points.

During an interview with Tennis Channel, Sabalenka commented on what she has changed to improve such an important aspect of her game that was once her Achilles heel.

“I think the main thing is I’m not trying to ace every serve, I’m just trying to start the point in the right way and think tactically more than just hitting the serve as hard as I can,” she shared.

“When I checked the speed of my serve and not trying to hit it too hard it’s actually going really fast and that’s been the key for me, to focus on tactics instead of going full power on the serve.

“When you’re in good shape and you feel confident and you have this belief in yourself you’re able to use any tools you have in the game.”

Who will Aryna Sabalenka face in the Italian Open semi-finals?

After defeating Victoria Azarenka in straight sets to reach the Italian Open semi-finals for the first time, Collins set up what will be her sixth meeting with Sabalenka.

Their fifth encounter came in Madrid at the end of April, when the former World Number One came from behind to end the 30-year-old’s 15-match win streak. Sabalenka has won each of their encounters so far and she is in great opposition to continue that run.

But Collins, who is searching for her first WTA 1000 title on clay, wants to avenge her loss in the Spanish capital and vowed to bring her aggression and fierce competitiveness to the court.

“I can’t give too many secrets away,” she told Tennis Channel. “We’ve always had good matches, and it’s always a few points here and there, especially when it comes down to these tight three-setters.

“But she’s been playing really well and is one of the best players in the world, so I’m going to bring the heat.”