Ending the year as World No. 1 is both a prideful and pressurized achievement, and Aryna Sabalenka is embracing it all with confidence. After a sensational season filled with triumphs, including four titles—two of which were the Australian Open and US Open—she has proven her mettle. Although she didn’t secure the WTA Finals title, Sabalenka’s journey has been nothing short of spectacular. This year, she has truly showcased a champion’s mindset and is ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead.

With a record of 71 matches this year, Sabalenka fulfilled her goal of finishing as World No. 1. Last year, she narrowly missed this opportunity, as her rival Iga Swiatek claimed the top spot. However, this year, Sabalenka rose to the challenge and ultimately took down Swiatek in their fierce competition for the ranking. She maintained her lead throughout the WTA Finals, proving her resilience in a sport where rankings can shift rapidly.

In an interview with Arab News following her Year-End No. 1 trophy presentation, Sabalenka and her coach, Anton Dubrov, reflected on their journey. They acknowledged the reality of holding such a coveted position. Dubrov remarked, “I don’t think you can hold the No. 1 ranking, to be honest,” emphasizing that strong contenders like WTA Finals Champion, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina are always vying for the top spot. He noted that while Sabalenka is prepared for challenges ahead, she won’t back down easily, “I think she’s more mature to understand what you need to do to be on this level.”

His words remind one of Sabalenka’s unexpected loss to Rybakina at the WTA Finals. A match that truly highlighted the pressure of being ranked No. 1 for her. She recognized Rybakina’s aggressive playstyle during their match, admitting that it caught her off guard. “She was playing like she had the mentality of nothing to lose,” Sabalenka said in her post-match interview.

Additionally, despite facing stress and fatigue typical for elite athletes, the Belarusian continued to rise to the occasion. While many players withdrew from tournaments due to exhaustion, she dominated the court. After battling a shoulder injury before Wimbledon, she bounced back to win both the Cincinnati Masters and US Open.

What drives her success? Coach Dubrov believes it’s her adaptability, “For her, it’s about finding the way to adapt to all situations.” After winning the US Open, Sabalenka reached the quarterfinals at the China Open but lost a hard-fought match against Karolina Muchova. Yet, she didn’t let that setback define her; instead, she demonstrated resilience by winning the Wuhan Open shortly after.

Sabalenka’s journey this season has been marked by growth and tenacity. Even former tennis pro, Andy Roddick has noted that her unique personality makes her a standout player. With a blend of talent and mental fortitude, Aryna Sabalenka has not only achieved remarkable success but has also captured the hearts of fans and former professionals alike.

Andy Roddick explores what sets Sabalenka apart from the other WTA players!

On November 12th, during the latest episode of the Served podcast, Andy Roddick celebrated Aryna Sabalenka’s incredible season, describing her as “an outsized personality amongst personalities.” He praised her raw talent and powerful play, highlighting how the current women’s tour is thriving. “The women’s tour right now…it’s fantastic,” he remarked, appreciating the unique qualities each player brings to the court.

This season has been particularly exciting due to the fierce rivalry between Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, who currently ranks No. 2. Roddick noted, “Iga runs stressed,” reflecting on her intense competitive nature as she secured five titles, including the Madrid Open and a Grand Slam at the French Open. The competition heated up during the WTA Finals when Swiatek faced off against Coco Gauff, who ultimately claimed the championship. Roddick observed that Gauff “operates in a different way,” showcasing her distinct approach, Gauff employs an aggressive playing style that utilizes her powerful serve and quick footwork—key factors in her Finals victory.

But despite not winning the Finals, Sabalenka remains a favorite of Roddick, who values her ability to analyze and improve her performance, “I love that she went into specifics about how to kind of fill those gaps.” Which perfectly encapsulates what her coach said about her in the aforementioned article! It’s this adaptability that sets her apart as a complete player beyond just physical prowess. So, who knows, maybe in the 2025 season, she’ll showcase a whole new side of this trait as she fights to uphold the No.1 title.