Aryna Sabalenka has firmly established herself as one of the dominant forces in women’s tennis, boasting three Grand Slam titles and a consistent presence at the top of the WTA rankings. However, the trajectory of her remarkable career might have taken a slightly different turn had she joined forces with former World No. 1 Dinara Safina as her coach in 2019. In a recent interview, Safina revealed that she was approached to coach Sabalenka during a critical phase in the Belarusian’s career but ultimately declined the opportunity due to timing constraints. This decision set the stage for Sabalenka to partner with Anton Dubrov, a collaboration that has since proven immensely fruitful.
A Pivotal Moment in Sabalenka’s Career
Back in 2019, Sabalenka was at a crossroads. She had just parted ways with her long-time coach Dmitry Tursunov, who had played a pivotal role in her rise to prominence. Under Tursunov’s guidance, Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline game flourished, and she became known for her powerful groundstrokes and fierce competitive spirit. However, with the split, Sabalenka needed a new coach quickly—someone who could help her navigate the pressures of the WTA Tour and fine-tune her game for the challenges ahead.
Dinara Safina, a former two-time French Open finalist and a respected figure in the tennis world, was one of the candidates considered for the role. Speaking to Championat, Safina recounted the situation:
“We talked about Aryna in 2019, right before the US Open. She had just finished working with Dmitry Tursunov. And her agent called me and said that there was such an option, but she had to fly out immediately and start preparing for the US Open. I said that I couldn’t do that.”
Safina’s decision not to take on the role wasn’t due to a lack of interest but rather a matter of practicality. The timing was too tight, and she wasn’t in a position to commit to the rigorous demands of coaching on such short notice. Reflecting on the situation, she empathized with Sabalenka’s urgency:
“I understand Aryna because I behaved the same way when I was a player. I also said: ‘I need a coach tomorrow!’”
The Rise of Anton Dubrov and Sabalenka’s Transformation
In the wake of Safina’s decision, Sabalenka turned to Anton Dubrov, a relatively lesser-known figure at the time. This partnership proved to be transformative. Under Dubrov’s guidance, Sabalenka’s game evolved, and she developed a more refined approach to match management. Dubrov helped her harness her raw power and channel it more effectively, particularly in high-pressure situations. The results speak for themselves: three Grand Slam titles, a sustained presence in the top ranks of the WTA, and a reputation as one of the most formidable players on the tour.
Sabalenka’s journey underscores the importance of the player-coach dynamic in tennis. While Safina might have brought a different set of insights and experiences to the table, Dubrov’s influence has been instrumental in Sabalenka’s success. It’s a testament to the unpredictable nature of sports—sometimes, the right partnership can emerge from unexpected circumstances.
Safina’s Near Miss with Mirra Andreeva
Interestingly, Sabalenka isn’t the only rising star who almost had Safina in their corner. The former World No. 1 also revealed that she was approached to coach Mirra Andreeva, one of the most promising young talents on the WTA Tour. Andreeva, known for her poise and tactical acumen beyond her years, eventually teamed up with Conchita Martinez, a former Wimbledon champion and an experienced coach.
Safina reflected on the opportunity:
“They were looking for a coach for Mirra. Her agent called many specialists and asked if there was a desire. They called me too. I said that it sounded great, but I was not ready to skate with Mirra all over the world (smiles).”
While Safina didn’t take on the role, she acknowledged Martinez’s impact on Andreeva’s development:
“Conchita is great. She’s the coach who helps Mirra a lot. She doesn’t need to add many nuances, just small adjustments—cut the corner a little more, meet the ball earlier, use more drop shots.”
Reflections on the State of Women’s Tennis
Beyond these coaching anecdotes, Safina also offered her perspective on the current state of women’s tennis compared to her era. She pointed out a notable difference in consistency among top players. During her playing days, the WTA was dominated by a formidable group of players who maintained a high level of performance throughout the year. Names like Serena and Venus Williams, Lindsay Davenport, Amélie Mauresmo, Justine Henin, Maria Sharapova, and Kim Clijsters set a standard of consistency that is less common today.
Safina observed:
“In my time, there were more consistent players. Serena and Venus, Davenport, Mauresmo, Henin, Sharapova, Clijsters—they were all consistent all year round. The top 10 was very tight; you couldn’t touch the girls. Now, someone can fail in three or four tournaments and still return to the top 10.”
She acknowledged that while players like Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula show promise, true consistency is rare. In her view, only Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek have managed to maintain a consistently high level of performance throughout the season:
“Only Sabalenka and Świątek played the whole season almost without slumps.”
Conclusion: A Journey of ‘What Ifs’ and Triumphs
The story of Aryna Sabalenka’s missed connection with Dinara Safina is a fascinating glimpse into the ‘what ifs’ of professional sports. It highlights the critical role that coaching decisions play in shaping a player’s career. While Safina’s expertise might have taken Sabalenka down a different path, her partnership with Anton Dubrov has undeniably borne fruit. Meanwhile, Safina’s reflections on the state of women’s tennis offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the sport. As Sabalenka continues to dominate, one can’t help but wonder how different her journey might have been—but perhaps, this is the path she was always meant to take.