Aryna Sabalenka has once again proven herself as a dominant force on the WTA tour, finishing the 2025 season with an impressive 59–11 record and four titles. With the year-end No. 1 ranking nearly locked in, her consistency has been unrivaled. However, despite her stellar performance, the question heading into the 2025 US Open was whether she could finally claim a Major title to crown her remarkable season.
A Year of Near-Misses
Sabalenka’s 2025 campaign was a tale of brilliance tinged with heartbreak. She reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slams and made the finals in three, but each time, victory eluded her. Madison Keys outlasted her in a thrilling Australian Open final, Coco Gauff triumphed over her at Roland Garros in a match overshadowed by Sabalenka’s post-match comments, and Amanda Anisimova delivered a shocking upset in the Wimbledon semifinals. Though none of these losses were catastrophic, the repeated near-misses took a toll on Sabalenka’s confidence, leaving her searching for answers.
Djokovic’s Game-Changing Guidance
In her quest for mental clarity, Sabalenka sought advice from tennis legend Novak Djokovic, known for his unparalleled mental resilience. “I wanted to understand how he prepares for those big moments, what his mindset is,” Sabalenka shared. “We spoke for about an hour, but with Novak, you could talk for hours and still want more advice.” His insights proved invaluable, giving her the mental edge she needed heading into the US Open final. Reflecting on their conversation, Sabalenka credited Djokovic’s wisdom for helping her stay focused and secure the title.
A Commanding US Open Triumph
Armed with renewed mental fortitude, Sabalenka was unstoppable in New York. She powered through the US Open draw, dropping just one set en route to the championship. In a satisfying twist, she faced Amanda Anisimova in the final and avenged her Wimbledon loss, clinching her fourth career Grand Slam title with authority.
For Sabalenka, who had already established herself among the elite, Djokovic’s guidance was the missing piece. His advice reminded her that mental strength can be the difference between perennial contender and Major champion, propelling her to US Open glory.
