Chris Evert reacts to Aryna Sabalenka surpassing Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic for fastest forehand stat at US Open 2024
Chris Evert was surprised by the US Open 2024 stat highlighting Aryna Sabalenka’s superior striking in comparison to Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic. The Belarusian is placed at the top, ahead of the three men, when it comes to her forehand speed at the ongoing New York Slam.
Sabalenka, widely known for her powerful groundstrokes and ‘big risk, big reward’ playing style, has reached her second straight US Open final. She got the better of Priscilla Hon, Lucia Bronzetti, Ekaterina Alexandrova, Elise Mertens, and Zheng Qinwen before conquering home hope Emma Navarro in the semifinal on Thursday, September 5. She has lost just one set en route to the title clash.
What has stood out the most about her campaign in New York is her average topspin forehand speed, which stands at 129 km/h. She boasts a better average speed than the likes of Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz, who are currently the top 3 men’s players in the world.
Sinner, known for his stellar ball-striking skill, has averaged at 126 km/h during his run to the title clash. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz, who crashed out in the second round, put up a 127 km/h average topspin forehand score during his matches. Novak Djokovic produced a 122 km/h average during his three matches at the US Open.
18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert was impressed by Aryna Sabalenka leading not only the women's category but also the men.
"Wait, what?" she wrote, adding clapping and muscles emojis.
"I feel kind of uncomfortable being on the top" – Aryna Sabalenka on surpassing Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic in US Open stat
Chris Evert wasn’t the only person intrigued by the data. Aryna Sabalenka herself was in disbelief.
While talking to Jannik Sinner’s coach, Darren Cahill, during her on-court interview after reaching the quarterfinals, the World No. 2 said:
"Yeah, I saw my stats on my forehand and I actually can’t believe it’s that fast," she said.
"And I feel even kind of uncomfortable being on the top and even hit it harder than the guys," she added, laughing, "That’s really interesting stats."
Sabalenka would hope to bank on her powerful forehand strokes as she chases her third Grand Slam title at the 2024 US Open. After coming up short in the 2023 title clash against home favorite Coco Gauff, she is set to face yet another American, Jessica Pegula, in the final on Saturday, September 7.