Aryna Sabalenka - will the tennis throne be attacked?
CanAryna Sabalenka attack world number one after winning the Australian Open? The gap to Iga Swiatek is still large.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Jan 30, 2023, 07:36 pm
After her first Grand Slam triumph, Aryna Sabalenka really did not skimp on superlatives - and briefly described January 28, 2023 as the "best day" of her life. Yes, you could really feel the weight that Sabalenka felt after beating Elena Rybakina. The 24-year-old had not lived up to her own expectations for far too long.
But what can come for Sabalenka after the days in Melbourne? It is clear that the Belarusian can beat any opponent on a good day. However, it is also clear that she has failed time and again in the past. In this respect, a great maturing process could be seen at the Australian Open.
Sabalenka is now in second place in the world rankings, but is still a long way off industry leader Iga Swiatek. The gap between the two best tennis players in the world is 4,365 points. However, unlike Sabalenka, the Pole has an enormous number of points to defend in the coming weeks and months.
So it seems at least possible that Sabalenka will attack the tennis throne in 2023. And ultimately brings it to a successful conclusion. For this, the 24-year-old needs the same attitude as in Australia. A circumstance that will entail many challenges, especially mentally. But for the time being, Sabalenka is still allowed to enjoy the foothills of her great triumph.