Aryna Sabalenka: The Future of Women's Tennis

Since I have started this blog, I have had the pleasure to cover multiple tournaments around the United States. Having this experience has given me the opportunity to see up and comers in the pro circuits, men or women. Recognizes talent can be very challenging but at the Connecticut Open, I saw the future of women's tennis. Aryna Sabalenka, a Belarussian powerhouse, who is succeeding Victoria Azarenka for the most famous tennis player in her country. She is becoming the new household name of the WTA and there is no stopping her momentum.

After coming off a beyond dominant performance at the Connecticut Open, Sabalenka continued her peak performance into a quarter-final run at the US Open where she eventually bowed out to the eventual champion, Naomi Osaka. Both players are the future of the sport and their clash proved it. Lasting three sets and over two hours, the match sparked interest into who Sabalenka was for those who might be more of a casual tennis fan. But I saw her for who she was, the future.

Her recent success in Wuhan further proves my point. Only dropping one set against Top 5 player in the world, Elina Svitolina, Sabalenka was in control of every match she played. Facing a tough Aussie, Barty in the semis and handling another rising star, Annett Kontaveit, in the final. With her sheer power on display for the world to see, Sabalenka is able to control the points as most female players might lack. Her power is her number weapon and her aggression on the court is something to look forward to when you watch her play. While this may be her first Premiere 5 title, it certainly won't be her last!