Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, has set the tennis world abuzz with a candid revelation about a training session with ATP star Andrey Rublev that ended abruptly after just five minutes. The 26-year-old Belarusian, fresh off her third Madrid Open title, shared the humorous anecdote during a press conference, shedding light on the intensity of practicing with one of the men’s tour’s hardest hitters. Her decision to call it quits, marked by a playful “Okay, whatever, I’m done,” underscores the physical and mental demands of cross-tour training, while highlighting her focus on precision over raw power in her game.
The incident occurred during a practice session arranged to test Sabalenka’s formidable hitting against Rublev’s relentless power. Known for her aggressive baseline play and a forehand that clocked an average speed of 129 kph at the 2024 US Open—outpacing even top ATP players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner—Sabalenka is no stranger to heavy hitting. Yet, Rublev’s intensity proved overwhelming. “I don’t know. I mean, maybe when I was practicing with the guys,” she said, reflecting on whether she’s faced anyone who hits harder than her. “I practice with Rublev, that was really intense. I was like, Okay, whatever, I’m done. I was done in five minutes, so, yeah.” Her lighthearted recounting drew laughter, but it also sparked discussion among fans, some of whom criticized her for not acknowledging WTA rivals, interpreting her comments as a slight against women’s tennis.
Sabalenka, however, used the moment to emphasize a key aspect of her philosophy: power alone isn’t enough. “Sometimes power is not the key. You can hit really hard but not in the right target,” she explained, noting that men’s serves, in particular, carry greater force. “But, yeah, I think the guys serve stronger, obviously.” This perspective aligns with her recent success, where strategic shot placement and mental resilience have propelled her to a commanding lead in the WTA rankings with 11,118 points, nearly 3,500 ahead of Iga Swiatek. Her Madrid Open victory over Coco Gauff, a 6-3, 7-6 triumph, showcased this balance, as she matched Gauff’s aggression with precise, high-pressure play to secure her ninth WTA 1000 title.
The brief Rublev session comes at a time when Sabalenka is at the peak of her powers. With three Grand Slam titles—2023 and 2024 Australian Opens and the 2024 US Open—she’s cemented her status as the WTA’s dominant force. Her 2025 season has been stellar, with six final appearances in eight events, including wins in Miami and Madrid. Yet, the physical toll of her schedule is a constant challenge. “I think managing your body is the most challenging,” she admitted, crediting her team for keeping her in top form. “But I have a great team, and so far, so good.” Her ability to move on quickly from both victories and losses is another strength. “I’m not staying too long in success, and also I’m not staying in some of the tough losses,” she said, a mindset that allows her to approach each tournament with fresh focus.
The Rublev anecdote also stirred controversy, with some fans on social media accusing Sabalenka of downplaying WTA talent by focusing on a male player. The backlash echoes past criticism of her comments, including a 2024 remark about men’s tennis that prompted accusations of undermining her own tour. Sabalenka, however, remains unfazed, her infectious personality shining through as she navigates the spotlight. Her next challenge is the Italian Open, where she’s the favorite to claim the title after finishing as runner-up in 2024. As she prepares to face rivals like Gauff and Swiatek on Rome’s clay, Sabalenka’s blend of power, precision, and mental fortitude makes her a formidable force.
This lighthearted story of a five-minute practice gone awry reveals more than just a clash of titans. It showcases Sabalenka’s self-awareness, her ability to laugh at herself, and her commitment to a game that’s as much about strategy as strength. As she continues her quest for a first Roland Garros title, fans are left marveling at a champion who can dominate the court and still keep things refreshingly real off it.
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