In the ever-evolving world of professional tennis, where precision and strategy can make or break a champion, Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning world number one, has made a bold move to elevate her game. As she prepares to defend her titles at the Cincinnati Open and the US Open, the Belarusian powerhouse has welcomed a new face into her coaching entourage: Max Mirnyi, a former doubles world number one and 10-time Grand Slam champion. This strategic addition, announced as the North American hard-court swing kicks into high gear, promises to bring fresh insight to Sabalenka’s already formidable arsenal, blending her aggressive style with the finesse of a seasoned veteran.
Sabalenka, at 27, has cemented her status as one of tennis’s brightest stars. With three Grand Slam singles titles—two Australian Opens (2023, 2024) and a US Open (2024)—and a career-high ranking that sees her nearly 5,000 points ahead of world number two Coco Gauff, her dominance is undeniable. Yet, the road to sustained greatness is paved with constant evolution, and Sabalenka’s decision to bring Mirnyi on board reflects her hunger for growth. The 48-year-old Belarusian, known for his towering serve and masterful net play, joins as a consultant for the Cincinnati and US Open campaigns, complementing her long-standing team led by head coach Anton Dubrov, performance coach Jason Stacy, and hitting partner Andrei Vasilevski.
Mirnyi’s credentials are nothing short of extraordinary. A compatriot of Sabalenka, he reached a career-high singles ranking of 18 and claimed the 2003 Rotterdam Open title, but his legacy shines brightest in doubles. With 10 major titles, including four mixed doubles crowns—two alongside Serena Williams at Wimbledon and the US Open in 1998—and an Olympic gold medal in mixed doubles with Victoria Azarenka in 2012, Mirnyi’s expertise is vast. His experience coaching former ATP world number four Kei Nishikori post-retirement in 2018 adds another layer of credibility, despite his personal battle with a malignant brain tumor five years ago. Sabalenka, who has known Mirnyi for years, recently trained with him informally, leading to her invitation for him to join her team for this critical stretch.
The timing of this move is telling. Sabalenka’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and near-misses. While she secured three titles, including a third Madrid Open crown, she also faced setbacks, losing finals at the Australian Open to Madison Keys, the French Open to Coco Gauff, and falling to Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon semifinals. Her decision to skip the Canadian Open, citing exhaustion and a desire to avoid last year’s injury-plagued Wimbledon absence, underscores her focus on peaking for the US Open, where she’s the defending champion. “He is very intelligent,” Sabalenka said, speaking about Mirnyi’s addition. Her specific goal? Sharpening her net play—a skill where Mirnyi’s doubles prowess could prove transformative. Sabalenka, no stranger to doubles success herself, having won the 2019 US Open and 2021 Australian Open titles with Elise Mertens, sees this as a key area for growth.
The partnership is particularly intriguing given their shared Belarusian roots, fostering a connection that goes beyond tactics. Mirnyi’s presence could provide not just technical expertise but also a calming influence for Sabalenka, who has admitted to feeling tense in high-stakes moments, as seen in her error-prone French Open final. With the Cincinnati Open underway and the US Open looming on August 24, all eyes are on whether Mirnyi’s guidance can help Sabalenka harness her explosive power—evident in her thunderous serve and forehand—and channel it into another major triumph.
Sabalenka’s journey to this point has been one of resilience. From her breakout 2018 season, where she claimed titles in New Haven and Wuhan, to her ascent to world number one in 2023, she’s overcome personal tragedy, including the loss of her father in 2019, and geopolitical challenges tied to her Belarusian nationality. Her aggressive, risk-taking style, often compared to idols Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, has made her a fan favorite, with 3.3 million Instagram followers lapping up her vibrant posts. Off the court, she balances intensity with joy, sharing glimpses of beach days, concerts, and moments with her partner, Georgios Frangulis.
As Sabalenka steps onto the Cincinnati courts, the weight of expectation is heavy, but her revamped team signals her readiness to meet it. Mirnyi’s expertise, paired with Dubrov’s steady guidance, could unlock new dimensions in her game, making her an even more formidable force. Whether this collaboration propels her to another Grand Slam or adds polish to her already stellar career, one thing is clear: Sabalenka’s ambition burns brighter than ever, and with Mirnyi by her side, the tennis world is watching closely.
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