Aryna Sabalenka has continued to set the standard on the WTA Tour in 2025.
The world number one picked up her fourth Grand Slam title recently when Sabalenka defeated Amanda Anisimova in the US Open final.
Sabalenka also won two WTA 1000 titles and finished as runner-up at the Australian Open and French Open.
Not satisfied with the work she’s done in 2025, Sabalenka has already set her sights on more success in the new year.
Speaking ahead of the WTA Finals, Sabalenka shared what she wants to do at every tournament she plays in 2026.
Aryna Sabalenka wants to improve at every tournament next year
During an interview with Sky Sports, Sabalenka reflected on her 2025 campaign and looked ahead to the new year.
“Looking back, I am super happy with the way my season went,” she said.
“Of course, there were finals I would love to improve on.
“I felt like I had some chances there, but just didn’t play my best, and most of my opponents played incredible matches.
Aryna Sabalenka’s final defeats in 2025
- 2025 Australian Open F [LOSS] vs Madison Keys – 3-6, 6-2, 5-7
- 2025 Indian Wells F [LOSS] vs Mirra Andreeva – 6-2, 4-6, 3-6
- 2025 Stuttgart Open F [LOSS] vs Jelena Ostapenko – 4-6, 1-6
- 2025 French Open F [LOSS] vs Coco Gauff – 7-6, 2-6, 4-6
“But also looking back, I think it was important to learn those lessons and to come back much stronger, smarter, and in better control at the US Open.
“Looking back, I am happy with the season. It was definitely one of the better seasons.
Aryna Sabalenka’s WTA seasons
| Year | Grand Slam titles | WTA titles | Win/Loss record | Year-end ranking |
| 2025 | 1 | 4 | 59-11 | 1 (Current ranking) |
| 2024 | 2 | 4 | 56-14 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 | 3 | 56-14 | 2 |
| 2022 | – | – | 33-22 | 5 |
| 2021 | – | 2 | 45-18 | 2 |
| 2020 | – | 3 | 29-10 | 10 |
| 2019 | – | 3 | 39-22 | 11 |
| 2018 | – | 2 | 46-22 | 11 |
| 2017 | – | – | 12-8 | 78 |
“I just hope next year that I will improve a little bit in each tournament that I play.”
The Belarusian then explained what she did earlier this year, which helped her produce her best tennis when it mattered most.
“I think it’s important to trust your body and do what you feel is best for your health. Skipping some tournaments was part of the plan because the scheduling is incredibly tight and tough,” said Sabalenka.
“That is why I feel like you see more players getting injured, and it’s really tough on the body to handle.
“I think at first place you should always consider your health. That was my first priority. And to play your best tennis, you need to be mentally and physically fresh, so you can bring your best tennis and bring the show.
“I think you always have to put your health in first place. That is what we did this season, and for me, I think it was the smartest thing ever.”
Sabalenka chose to skip the China Open this year, as she rested up ahead of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The 27-year-old has yet to win the year-end title in four attempts and would love nothing more than to finish her 2025 campaign with a victory in the Middle East.
Who will Aryna Sabalenka play in her WTA Finals group?
Sabalenka has been placed in ‘Group Steffi Graf’ for this year’s finals.
Group Steffi Graf
- [1] Aryna Sabalenka
- [3] Coco Gauff
- [5] Jessica Pegula
- [8] Jasmine Paolini
She has a winning head-to-head record against Jessica Pegula and Jasmine Paolini, but trails 5-6 against Gauff.
| Match | Surface | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2025 French Open – F | Clay | Coco Gauff | Aryna Sabalenka | 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 |
| 2025 Madrid Open – F | Clay | Aryna Sabalenka | Coco Gauff | 6-3, 7-6 |
| 2024 WTA Finals – SF | Hard | Coco Gauff | Aryna Sabalenka | 7-6, 6-3 |
| 2024 Wuhan – SF | Hard | Aryna Sabalenka | Coco Gauff | 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 |
| 2024 Australian Open – SF | Hard | Aryna Sabalenka | Coco Gauff | 7-6, 6-4 |
| 2023 US Open – F | Hard | Coco Gauff | Aryna Sabalenka | 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 |
| 2023 Indian Wells – QF | Hard | Aryna Sabalenka | Coco Gauff | 6-4, 6-0 |
| 2022 Toronto – 3R | Hard | Coco Gauff | Aryna Sabalenka | 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 |
| 2021 Rome – 3R | Clay | Coco Gauff | Aryna Sabalenka | 7-5, 6-3 |
| 2020 Ostrava – 2R | Hard | Aryna Sabalenka | Coco Gauff | 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 |
| 2020 Lexington – 2R | Hard | Coco Gauff | Aryna Sabalenka | 7-6, 4-6, 6-4 |
As the number one seed, Sabalenka will be expected to make it out of her group, but nothing is ever that simple at the WTA Finals…
She will begin her campaign on Sunday, November 2, against Paolini.
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