“Aryna Sabalenka is calmer now, there is much more composure” - Prominent tennis journalist praises Australian Open 2023 champion Sabalenka
Prominent tennis journalist Steve Flink reflected on Aryna Sabalenka's development as a player, stating that she has become calmer and more composed.
Sabalenka won her maiden Grand Slam title last month by defeating Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final. The Belarusian came from a set down to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 and clinch the biggest trophy of her career to date.
Flink, in an interview with ubitennis, stated that Sabalenka is a good all-round player and a better shotmaker from the baseline. He also spoke about her technical game and how she could improve for her future career.
“Sabalenka is calmer now, there is much more composure. Even when she served a double fault on match point in the last game, she kept her concentration, took a breath, and got on with it,” said Flink.
“I think one of the separating factors between her [Aryna Sabalenka] and Rybakina was that she defended better and she is a better shotmaker from the baseline. Sabalenka is a good all-around player, there is a way to go but she is getting there,” he added.
(VIDEO EXCLUSIVE) Australian Open: Steve Flink On Sabalenka’s Rise, Swiatek’s Tough Year Ahead ubitennis.net/2023/02/video-… via @ubitennis
Flink also praised Rybakina, who has reached two Grand Slam finals in the past 12 months, winning the Wimbledon Championships in 2022 before falling at the final hurdle at the Melbourne Major this year.
“Rybakina has one of the best women’s first serve’s in tennis but maybe needs to improve on her second.It kicks up a bit and the better players can take advantage of that. She can also get a little shaky off the ground but by being in the final of two majors over the past year, I am very encouraged by her,” Flink stated.
Aryna Sabalenka will keep her eye on Dubai Tennis Championships 2023
The 2023 Dubai Championships will be the first WTA 1000 event on the calendar and will be held from February 19-25 at the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Stadium.
While Aryna Sabalenka could not get past the Round of 16 at the tournament last year, she is in stupendous form in 2023 and hopes to do better in Dubai this time around. She started the year by winning the WTA 500 title in Adelaide, which was her first title in 20 months, and followed it up by clinching the Australian Open.
It’s not long to go now until the 31st edition of the Dubai Duty Free Championships!
Our men’s and women’s line-up includes the 2023 Australian Open winners Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka! https://t.co/mJzf6ONCfF
Aryna Sabalenka is expected to be joined by the likes of Ons Jabeur, Jessica Pegula, Carolina Garcia and Coco Gauff, to name a few, in Dubai this year.