Aryna Sabalenka outlines where she has ‘definitely’ improved compared to last year

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Aryna Sabalenka shared what she worked on to achieve better results at Grand Slams.

The Belarusian has been the WTA’s best performer at the majors since the start of the 2023 season.

In that time she has reached the semi-finals or better at each of tennis’ four biggest events and is on course for a strong run at Roland Garros in 2024.

Sabalenka’s aggression and heavy groundstrokes already make her very difficult to beat but working on another aspect of her game makes her even more dangerous when it matters most.

What has Aryna Sabalenka improved in order to better at Grand Slams?

Before the 2023 season, Sabalenka had yet to win a Grand Slam. That changed when she defeated Elena Rybakina in an epic Australian Open final to claim her first major in January 2023.

After losing to Coco Gauff in the US Open final, she successfully defended her crown at Melbourne Park this January without dropping a set.

After a strong clay court season Sabalenka is primed for a strong run at the French Open and after winning her second round match, she explained what changed for her at the majors.

“I don’t like to talk about confidence,” the 26-year-old said on court after reaching the third round in the French capital.

“I definitely have so much more belief in myself that I can do well in the Grand Slams and I can be consistent with my results. So, I would say I definitely have more belief than I had last year.”

Sabalenka cruises into French Open third round

Sabalenka wasted little time booking her spot in the next round of Roland Garros.

She took on Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima and though she had to be patient early on, Sabalenka took control and asserted some authority with her relentless power.

In addition to her heavy groundstrokes, the world number two has incorporated some deft drop shots into her game, which were very effective against her opponent.

She needed just one hour and two minutes to complete a 6-2, 6-2 victory and she will face her good friend and former World number two Paula Badosa in round three.