After a disappointing performance at the Australian Open final, where she fell to Madison Keys, Aryna Sabalenka – the reigning world number one in women’s tennis – has been striving to regain her form and confidence. However, a series of setbacks in the Middle East Swing, where she fell short in the quarterfinals of both tournaments, sent her back to the drawing board. Yet, as she prepares to make her mark at Indian Wells, Sabalenka isn’t alone in her journey – she is being mentored by none other than American tennis legend Andre Agassi.
Sabalenka’s performance in the Californian desert at the BNP Paribas Open has shown signs of her returning prowess, with consecutive straight-set wins fueling her march to the final sixteen. Prior to her next deep dive into the Masters 1000 event, the 26-year-old Belarusian opened up about her interaction with Agassi during their exhibition match at the MGM Rewards Slam in Las Vegas.
During a post-match interview with the Tennis Channel, Sabalenka revealed the advice she received from the eight-time Grand Slam champion. With a chuckle, she admitted, “We had a great chat after the exhibition and, it’s obvious that he’s smart. His advice on tennis is already showing results, so thank you Andre.”
Sabalenka also praised Agassi’s skill and timing, even though the American icon modestly claimed to not be training or playing much tennis. To Sabalenka’s surprise, she found his serve to be superior to hers, a testament to his enduring talent and instinct for the game. The pair had teamed up for a friendly match against Naomi Osaka and Mardy Fish in Las Vegas earlier this year, and their chemistry was evident as they clinched the match 10-8.
As for Sabalenka’s quest for the Indian Wells title, she seems to be back in the driver’s seat. After early exits from the Qatar Open and Dubai Tennis Championships, she appears to have regained control of her game, leaving past disappointments behind.
Moving on from the heartbreak of the Australian Open, Sabalenka reflected on her feelings. “It was very difficult to recover after that loss, and I was lost in my thoughts about that match. But I had to step back and start over. Now, I’m feeling better and view that final as a valuable lesson,” she shared.
In 2018, Sabalenka had won her first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, and she has remained undefeated in the tournament’s opening round since its inception in 1989. This year, she is set to face Sonal Kartal in a bid to secure a place in the quarterfinals. As she steps onto the court on March 12, she carries with her not just her own aspirations, but also the wisdom imparted by Andre Agassi.