What's Happening?
Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one tennis player, successfully commenced her title defense at the US Open 2025 by defeating Rebeka Masarova. The match, held in New York, saw Sabalenka overcoming a challenging start to win with scores of 7-5, 6-1. Sabalenka's performance was bolstered by the presence of Max Mirnyi, a 10-time Grand Slam doubles champion, who has been assisting her coach, Anton Dubrov. Mirnyi, known for his formidable net skills, has been working with Sabalenka to enhance her volleying abilities. Sabalenka expressed optimism about the improvements made with Mirnyi's guidance, humorously dubbing their team 'Beauty and the Beast.'
AD
Why It's Important?
Sabalenka's victory is significant as she aims to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to defend the US Open singles title successfully. Her performance at this Grand Slam is crucial, given her consistent appearances in the finals of major tournaments this season, including the French and Australian Opens. The collaboration with Mirnyi could be pivotal in refining her game, particularly her net play, which could enhance her competitiveness in future matches. This development is closely watched by tennis enthusiasts and analysts, as it could influence her standing in the sport and inspire other players to seek similar mentorship.
What's Next?
Sabalenka is set to face Polina Kudermetova in the next round of the US Open. Kudermetova advanced after her opponent, Nuria Parrizas-Diaz, retired due to injury. As Sabalenka progresses in the tournament, her performance will be scrutinized to see if the improvements in her net play translate into success on the court. The outcome of her matches will also impact her ranking and potential to secure the year-end number one spot. Fans and analysts will be keenly observing her matches to assess the effectiveness of her training with Mirnyi.
