In the high-stakes world of professional tennis, where emotions run as hot as the serves, Aryna Sabalenka’s journey has been nothing short of electrifying. The current WTA World No. 1, known for her thunderous groundstrokes and unyielding intensity, has faced her share of challenges both on and off the court. Recently, her former coach, Dmitry Tursunov, pulled back the curtain on their dramatic 2019 split, revealing the fiery dynamics that defined their partnership. His candid reflections, shared in a recent interview, paint a vivid picture of a relationship marked by passion, tension, and mutual respect, offering fans a deeper look into the Belarusian star’s complex journey to the top.
Sabalenka and Tursunov’s collaboration began in the summer of 2018, a pivotal moment for the then-rising star. Under Tursunov’s guidance, Sabalenka’s game caught fire, propelling her to titles in New Haven, Wuhan, and Shenzhen. Her aggressive style and fearless mentality saw her climb the rankings, reaching No. 11 by the end of 2018. “We’ve had a lot of conversations; I don’t know how many, and they’re still happening, these conversations,” Sabalenka said during the 2019 US Open, highlighting the deep trust she initially placed in Tursunov. “I’m actually happy to have him by my side because he’s professional and he knows me better than others. I don’t think I can trust anyone like I trust Dmitry, and that’s important.” Yet, despite this confidence, their partnership unraveled just days later, following a second-round loss to Yulia Putintseva at the 2019 US Open.
Tursunov, a former top-20 player turned coach, recently opened up about the emotional rollercoaster of working with Sabalenka. “After all, she is explosive, sometimes she freaks out, blurts out something – then apologizes,” he shared, describing her fiery temperament. He recalled a specific moment from the 2018 Eastbourne Open, where Sabalenka’s playful demeanor during a doubles match frustrated him. “The day before, Aryna played in a pair with Su-wei – and frankly fooled around. ‘Hehe, ha-ha…’” he said, admitting, “I exploded.” Tursunov’s frustration stemmed from his belief that Sabalenka lacked the motivation to fully harness her potential at the time, a sentiment that underscored their eventual parting. “Probably, recently Aryna has felt that I can’t give her anything else,” he reflected in a 2020 podcast. “Of course, if she had such a feeling, then it’s the right decision to stop working together.”
The split, announced by Sabalenka on Instagram with a heartfelt, “Thank you for everything and all the best in your future!” was a shock to the tennis world. Tursunov, in his own post, called the experience “the best and most fulfilling time,” where he found his purpose, but admitted, “For me, it was a difficult moment, what to hide.” The emotional weight of the decision was palpable, yet both moved forward. Sabalenka briefly reunited with Tursunov later in 2019, only to make the split permanent by year’s end, turning to Dieter Kindlmann before settling with her current coach, Anton Dubrov. Under Dubrov, Sabalenka has soared, claiming three Grand Slam titles—back-to-back Australian Opens in 2023 and 2024, and the 2024 US Open—cementing her status as a dominant force.
Despite her success, 2025 has been a challenging year for Sabalenka. Losses to Madison Keys in Melbourne, Coco Gauff in Paris, and Amanda Anisimova at Wimbledon have kept her from adding to her major tally. Yet, her resilience remains undeniable. “I was just laughing and saying ‘we’ll see,’” Sabalenka once said of doubters who questioned her potential, a mindset that has fueled her rise. Tursunov’s recent comments highlight the complexities of coaching a player of Sabalenka’s intensity, but he also acknowledges her growth. “I guess I want to send a quick message to them to quit their job, because honestly, I think they know nothing,” Sabalenka said of past coaches who belittled her, a sentiment that underscores her defiance and self-belief.
As Sabalenka prepares for the 2025 US Open, where she is the reigning champion, the echoes of her past with Tursunov serve as a reminder of her journey’s highs and lows. Her current team, led by Dubrov and supported by fitness trainer Jason Stacy, has helped her channel her explosive energy into consistent excellence. Off the court, Sabalenka has found stability with her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, whose support she calls “priceless.” With her fiery spirit and unrelenting drive, Sabalenka continues to prove that her passion, once a source of tension, is now her greatest strength. As Tursunov put it, coaching her was “a ride,” but it’s clear Sabalenka is steering her own course to greatness.
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