In the dynamic world of professional tennis, few stories are as compelling as that of Aryna Sabalenka, a player who has not only enhanced her game but has also surprised herself in the process. The Belarusian star, known for her remarkable power and aggressive style, has undergone a transformation over the past few seasons. Today, she stands as one of the most versatile and formidable competitors on the WTA Tour, demonstrating a range of skills that few would have anticipated.
Sabalenka’s journey has been marked by significant progress, particularly in her ability to adapt and refine her playing style. This evolution has paid dividends, especially in the Grand Slam arena, where she has made a name for herself as a force to be reckoned with. In 2024, Sabalenka reached new heights, delivering what she describes as the best season of her career thus far. Her performances have propelled her back to the coveted No. 1 spot in the world rankings just in time for the WTA Finals.
But what has truly set Sabalenka apart this season is her newfound proficiency with a shot she once believed she could never master: the drop shot. Known primarily for her explosive power, especially on her forehand and backhand returns, Sabalenka has now added this subtlety to her arsenal, making her an even more dangerous opponent on the court.
When asked about her developing skill with the drop shot, Sabalenka expressed genuine surprise at her progress. “I mean, first of all, it’s quite fun making dropshots,” she said, reflecting on her journey. “Five years ago, if someone told me I would finally learn how to do this shot, I would laugh. I don’t have touch. I’m so bad at it. Now I have this shot in my pocket.”
This candid admission reveals a key aspect of Sabalenka’s development: her willingness to embrace change and explore different dimensions of her game. She acknowledges the pressure her drop shot can impose on her opponents, adding an unpredictable layer to her powerful baseline play. “I think it puts a lot of pressure on the opponent because now they know they have even more variation,” she elaborated. “Sometimes I just can use my touch and not over-hit the ball. I always make them guess what I’m going to do.”
For Sabalenka, the drop shot isn’t merely a tactical choice; it’s a tool for creating opportunities on the court. “It’s not, like, a special tactic,” she clarified. “It’s when I feel like going for it. When I see the opponent is really far behind, I’m like, Okay, I’ll just make them move.” This instinctive approach has allowed her to integrate the drop shot into her game fluidly, enhancing her overall effectiveness.
Understanding how to execute the drop shot in high-pressure situations, however, was not without its challenges. Sabalenka revealed that while she could practice the shot with ease, transferring that skill to match play proved more difficult. Her breakthrough moment came during the Italian Open in May when she faced Elina Svitolina. “Honestly, during practice, I always could do it without any problems, but I wasn’t really sure how and when to use it in a match,” she admitted.
In a moment of uncertainty during the match against Svitolina, Sabalenka decided to take a risk: “I’m like, Okay, I’m injured, I don’t know what to do. I’ll just go for a drop shot. I don’t know why. I don’t know why it came to my head. I’ll just do it.” This spontaneous decision not only resulted in a successful execution of the shot but also marked a turning point in her confidence level. “I think after that match, I gained so much confidence on that shot,” she reflected. “I was like, You know what, that’s probably working. I probably should use it more often.”
The addition of the drop shot to her game is particularly noteworthy given its relative rarity among WTA players. While many players excel at power-based play, the ability to effectively deploy a drop shot can turn the tide in critical moments. Sabalenka’s blend of explosive hitting and newfound finesse makes her a uniquely challenging opponent, capable of keeping her rivals guessing and off-balance.
As the WTA Finals approach, Sabalenka’s improved versatility will be a crucial asset. Her ability to incorporate a drop shot into her game plan not only enhances her strategic options but also highlights her growth as a player. The evolution of her game underscores a broader theme in sports: the importance of adaptability and the willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone.
In summary, Aryna Sabalenka’s journey to mastering the drop shot reflects her dedication to evolving as a player. Her ability to blend power with finesse marks a significant step in her career, further solidifying her status as one of the top competitors in women’s tennis. As she prepares for the upcoming WTA Finals, it will be fascinating to see how this new dimension of her game plays out on the court, potentially leading her to even greater success in the future. With her powerful baseline game complemented by this unexpected shot, Sabalenka has positioned herself as a formidable contender ready to take on the best in the sport.