World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has been one of the most consistent players on the WTA Tour in recent years. The Belarusian star has won three major titles, including two Australian Open trophies and one US Open. Known for her powerful and aggressive style, Sabalenka recently shared her picks for building the ideal WTA player.
After her debut at the 2025 Indian Wells, Sabalenka was asked during a press conference to name her top choices in different categories across the tour. “I just love myself so much on the good days,” she joked, after clarifying if it was only from the WTA.
“I can’t think of any players. Can you believe me?” she laughed, before offering her picks. “For serve, Elena Rybakina when she’s having a good day,” Sabalenka said. She then turned to her hitting partner Andrei Vasilevski for help with the rest. For forehand, she picked Madison Keys.
For backhand, she chose 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff. When asked about return, she replied, “Oh my god. Iga. Iga is good. Volley, Ashleigh Barty. Slice, Barty.” She then added, “Just skip this question. I’m so bad,” despite making solid choices.
Sabalenka’s strong start to the 2025 season
Although she lost the Australian Open final to Madison Keys, Sabalenka enters the clay season with plenty of momentum. She recently won her first Miami Open title, beating Jessica Pegula in the final.
She also reached the final at Indian Wells, where she lost to Mirra Andreeva. Sabalenka holds a 23 and 4 record this season, including four wins over top ten opponents at the time of their matches.
While Iga Swiatek has been the best player on court in the past seasons, Sabalenka says she is ready for the surface. “I think physically I’m ready to go,” she told the press after her win in Miami.
“Physically I’m strong, and I’m not rushing the point and I know I can stay in the point for how long I need. I think that’s the key, because I think I have got everything to be a good player on the clay courts,” she added.
So far, Sabalenka has demonstrated that she is also a solid clay player. She has reached seven finals on clay and captured two titles, including a Madrid Open. Although she holds a 1–5 record against Swiatek, she held match points in their Madrid final last year.
