Tennis legend Jimmy Connors recently shared his thoughts on Aryna Sabalenka, praising her exciting playing style and the dedication that has propelled her to the top of women’s tennis. Known for his candid commentary, Connors expressed genuine admiration for Sabalenka, emphasizing how much he enjoys watching her compete.
“It’s always fun watching her,” Connors said, highlighting the energy and commitment she brings to every match. He commended her relentless work ethic, noting, “I like watching her because of the way she has gone about it and worked hard to get to where she is now.”
A Season of Success
Sabalenka’s performance this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Her victory at the Miami Open, where she defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the final, solidified her position as one of the most formidable players on the tour. With an impressive 23-4 win-loss record in 2025, she continues to demonstrate the consistency needed to maintain her status as the world number one.
Connors was particularly impressed by Sabalenka’s ability to switch from hard courts to clay, a transition that many players find challenging. Despite clay not being her preferred surface, her versatility as a top-ranked player suggests she will continue to thrive. “From hard courts to clay – might not be her favourite – but she is pretty good on clay. She is the number one player in the world, so she is pretty good on everything,” Connors remarked.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka faces a demanding schedule with three Grand Slams in the next four months. Connors is keen to see how she prepares and adapts, as success on various surfaces will be crucial to maintaining her ranking and dominance.
The Duality of Sabalenka’s Personality
One aspect that intrigues Connors and his son Brett is the contrast between Sabalenka’s fierce on-court presence and her personable nature off the court. Brett described her as “super intimidating” when competing, but off the court, she is more approachable, with a “great smile” and a “funny” personality. He even likened her to a “big teddy bear,” highlighting how different her demeanor can be once the match is over.
This duality makes Sabalenka a unique figure in the tennis world. Fans appreciate her powerful, relentless game, but they also connect with her more relaxed, cheerful side outside of competition.
The Mental Edge
Connors also pointed out that Sabalenka’s recent successes have given her a mental edge over many of her opponents. He suggested that her current form has created a “fear factor,” where competitors may feel defeated even before stepping on the court. According to Connors, this mental advantage is invaluable, as Sabalenka’s confidence and consistency make her a tough opponent for anyone on the tour.
“A lot of players lose matches before they even start because they know they’re up against someone who isn’t going to beat herself,” Connors noted. This psychological strength is something he believes sets Sabalenka apart and keeps her in the conversation as a dominant force in women’s tennis.
Resilience Amid Personal Challenges
Sabalenka’s ability to remain focused despite personal difficulties has also garnered Connors’ respect. After the tragic passing of her former partner, she chose to continue competing, displaying remarkable resilience. Connors, reflecting on his own experiences, understands the role tennis can play as an emotional outlet. He acknowledged that continuing to compete was ultimately Sabalenka’s decision, highlighting the courage it takes to keep pushing forward during tough times.
Looking Ahead
As the tour shifts to the clay court season, Sabalenka’s adaptability will be tested. Her determination to maintain her top form while transitioning from hard courts to clay will be crucial, especially with major tournaments on the horizon.
Connors remains optimistic about Sabalenka’s prospects, emphasizing that her powerful game, mental toughness, and consistent preparation put her in an excellent position to tackle the challenges ahead. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how she navigates this next phase of the season, and whether she can continue to dominate on the slower, more demanding clay courts.
With her undeniable talent and unwavering determination, Aryna Sabalenka remains one of the most captivating players to watch, both for her athletic prowess and the dynamic personality that makes her a standout figure in the sport.
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