In a recent interview, Coach Anton Dubrov expressed his confidence in Aryna Sabalenka’s ability to perform well on clay, highlighting her growth and development on the surface. Drawing a clear distinction between Sabalenka and former tennis sensation Maria Sharapova, Dubrov emphasized the progress that the Belarusian has made in her clay court game.
Reflecting on Sharapova’s early struggles on clay despite her success on other surfaces, Dubrov noted that Sabalenka, a four-time Slam finalist and multi-time champion, has steadily improved her performance on clay courts. While Sharapova famously compared her experience on clay to “a cow on ice,” Sabalenka has shown determination and grit in adapting her game to excel on the slowest tennis surface.
Sabalenka’s journey at the French Open has been a mix of highs and lows, with the 26-year-old reaching the semifinals last year and reaching the quarterfinals this year. Despite facing challenges on clay in the past, Sabalenka has demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level and is focused on making a French Open final in the near future.
With 16 titles to her name, including victories on hard courts and now clay courts, Sabalenka’s evolution as a player has been commendable. Her recent success at the Madrid Open in 2021 and 2023 highlights her adaptability and determination to conquer new challenges.
As Sabalenka continues to make strides in her clay court game, her coach remains optimistic about her prospects at the French Open and beyond. While comparisons to Sharapova’s early struggles on clay may arise, Dubrov believes that Sabalenka’s growth and progress have set her on a path to success on all surfaces.
