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Aryna SabalenkaProfessional tennis player
Date of Birth: 05.05.1998
Country:  Belarus |
Content:
- Early Years and Success
- Transition to Professional Tennis
- Debut on the WTA Tour
- Aggressive and Power-Driven Play
- Coaching and Support
Early Years and Success
Early Tennis Journey:Arina Sabalenka's journey into tennis began at the tender age of 12 in Belarus, inspired by her father's hockey career. Her first victory came at the SDYUSHOR Open, followed by triumphs at the GCOR tournament and the RCOP Open. By the time she transitioned to the adult level in 2014, she had accumulated wins in four more junior tournaments.
Transition to Professional Tennis
Breaking Through at the ITF Level:Despite her low junior ranking, Sabalenka opted to gain experience in adult International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments. In the fall of 2015, she achieved her first two victories at 10,000-dollar events in Antalya. A month later, she triumphed at a 25,000-dollar tournament in Pune, India.
Debut on the WTA Tour
Historic Victory in Tianjin:In May 2016, Sabalenka embarked on her WTA career, partnering with Vladimir Perko. They made history by capturing Sabalenka's first major international title at the Tianjin Open. The win catapulted her into the top 100 of the WTA rankings.
Aggressive and Power-Driven Play
A Force to be Reckoned With:Sabalenka's signature aggressive and power-driven tennis style, characterized by short rallies and blistering aces, has drawn comparisons to Serena and Venus Williams. Her tenacity and relentless spirit on the court allow her to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, as noted by the President of the Belarusian Tennis Federation, Alexander Shakutin.
Coaching and Support
Mentorship and Guidance:Throughout her career, Sabalenka has been guided by a team of coaches. Sergei Alexandrov, Tatiana Puchek, and Vladimir Perko laid the foundation for her success. Anton Dubrov provided essential sparring support, while former biathlon world champion Vadim Sashurin enhanced her physical capabilities. Since 2016, Russian specialist Khalil Ibrahimov has played a pivotal role in her development, boosting her serve speed by an impressive 25 km/h in just one week of training.
