“I think the main key for me is just to focus on myself and to stay aggressive no matter what,” Aryna Sabalenka said ahead of the Madrid Open final earlier this year. While the Belarusian finished as the runner-up in that tournament, her powerful baseline approach and aggressive style paid off in New York, where she earned her second grand slam of the season. Similarly, Jannik Sinner also lifted his first title at Flushing Meadows. With both ruling the tennis court with their dominance, Jimmy Connors, the American tennis legend, has opened up on the “intimidating” factor that has set the two players apart from others!

On September 13, Jimmy and his son, Brett Connors, provided a recap of the 2024 US Open and its winners in their podcast Advantage Connors. When the conversation drifted to Aryna Sabalenka’s first US Open title victory, Brett reflected on her approach, stating, “She punishes people’s serves.” Jimmy dived into the discussion, noting, “She doesn’t want to start the point off and be neutral. She wants to be aggressive and take advantage of that from the very beginning, and intimidate.”

The former World No. 1 continued, “So, here’s my thought, Sinner and Sabalenka now have a fear factor that people, the other players, fear them now. And so what that means is, are they going to start winning matches before they even walk out there?” Considered one of the hardest hitters on the ATP circuit, Sinner’s aggressive baseline approach, powerful serves, and remarkable forehands have made it incredibly difficult for his opponents to tackle him.

It has translated well into his career achievements as well, as the World No. 1 now boasts 16 singles titles on the ATP tour, including two grand slams at just 23 years of age. Moreover, throughout this season, the Italian star did not get eliminated from a single event before the QF round, winning a total of six titles!

Similarly, Aryna Sabalenka believes, “I hope all my shots can be strong, but my serve, I feel is the best.” The Belarusian has served at a speed of 200 km/hour in the past! She has improved her serve significantly from 2022 and it has earned her three grand slams over the last couple of years, as she has capitalized on her aggressive gameplay. Sabalenka recently opened up after her US Open victory and revealed her mindset.

“I just have to go for it,” Aryna Sabalenka says after her maiden victory in New York

Aryna Sabalenka ended Jessica Pegula’s outstanding run in New York with a score of 7-5, 7-5, with her brutal groundstrokes against the World No. 6 player. The 26-year-old stated she is “proud” of herself and urged her fans to never give up on their dreams as well. Throughout the match, Sabalenka was in full control and even recorded her third-fastest serve of the competition (191.5 km/hr or 119 mph).

Further explaining her approach, Sabalenka said, “Every time I stop my arms and the ball flies in the stands, so a long time ago I decided for myself in those important moments I just have to go for it, I have to swing. I know that I have to go for it. That’s the only way it works for me.”

Sinner’s powerful forehand and Sabalenka’s dominant serve are just a few examples of their intimidating skill-set. As Connors mentioned, their aggressive approach to the game truly sets them apart!