Aryna Sabalenka isn’t just the top-ranked player in tennis—she’s the player everyone wants to beat. But for the Belarusian powerhouse, that’s exactly how she likes it. With three Grand Slam titles, a dominant 15-match winning streak in late 2024, and a Brisbane International victory to start 2025, Sabalenka enters the Australian Open brimming with confidence and ready to chase history.
The 26-year-old is aiming to become the first woman since Martina Hingis in 1999 to secure a three-peat at Melbourne Park. With her signature mix of firepower and fearless determination, Sabalenka thrives under the weight of expectation, turning every challenge into fuel for her unrelenting drive.
“I Like Being the One to Chase”
Sabalenka, never one to shy away from tough competition, embraces her role as the hunted.
“I always liked to compete. I always liked to accept, like, really tough challenges,” Sabalenka said with a laugh during her Australian Open press conference. “For me, being the one to chase—I like it. That’s what drives me and helps me stay motivated because I know I have a target on my back. I really like to have it. That’s why I work really hard to make sure that nobody can get to me.”
The world No. 1 paused and chuckled, “Oh, my God, it sounds too cocky, doesn’t it?”
Cocky or not, the numbers back her up. Sabalenka hasn’t lost a match at the Australian Open since 2022 when Kaia Kanepi stunned her in the round of 16. Since then, she’s racked up 14 consecutive victories at Melbourne Park, dropping just one set during that run.
A Dominant Force at the Peak of Her Powers
Sabalenka’s ascension to world No. 1 came after a stellar second half of 2024. While she fell short at the WTA Finals, her consistency and brilliance—highlighted by her US Open triumph—cemented her status as the game’s leading star.
Now, she’s started the 2025 season in the same vein, claiming the Brisbane International title with ease. Her confidence is sky-high, and her powerful game makes her a nightmare opponent for anyone in the draw.
The Path to History
Sabalenka’s journey to a historic Australian Open three-peat begins with a blockbuster first-round clash against 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens. The Belarusian knows the road ahead won’t be easy, but that’s exactly how she likes it.
“I know the pressure is there,” Sabalenka admitted. “But that’s why I’ve worked so hard—to be here, to stay here, and to show why I deserve it.”
The Australian Open has become Sabalenka’s fortress. Her dominance at Melbourne Park, combined with her ability to thrive under pressure, makes her the undeniable favorite. But with every opponent hungry to topple the queen of the court, the challenge is as great as ever.
A Legacy in the Making
Should Sabalenka succeed in her quest, she will not only secure her fourth Grand Slam title but also etch her name into tennis history alongside legends like Martina Hingis. More than that, she will reaffirm her status as the most dominant force in women’s tennis, a player who thrives when the spotlight is brightest and the stakes are highest.
For now, all eyes are on Melbourne, where Sabalenka stands poised to write the next chapter in her remarkable story. With her powerful serve, fearless mindset, and unshakable work ethic, the world No. 1 is ready to remind everyone why she wears the crown.
