Former WTA World No. 1 Dinara Safina has praised Aryna Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, for her compassionate nature.
At 25, Sabalenka successfully defended her title at the year’s inaugural Grand Slam event, clinching victory without conceding a set. She secured her triumph at Melbourne Park for the second consecutive year by defeating first-time Major finalist Qinwen Zheng 6-3, 6-2.
Ranked World No. 2, Sabalenka boasts an impressive 11-1 record for the year, with her sole loss occurring against Elena Rybakina in the Brisbane final at the season’s outset.
Beyond the confines of the court, the Belarusian exudes a warm and amiable demeanor, complemented by a stellar performance in her tennis career over the past 12 months.
In an interview with Tennis.com, Safina highlighted Sabalenka’s emotional growth, noting a shift in the reigning Australian Open champion’s personality:
“I think she changed as a person. She has found a balance where she is happy inside and isn’t struggling emotionally. Even if she loses a match, she’s still smiling and not taking it personal.”
Safina further emphasized Sabalenka’s admirable traits, praising her accountability and interactions with others:
“The way she handled herself speaks to her strength of character, how loyal she is to her team. If something has gone wrong, she takes the responsibility. She doesn’t blame others, and I think the way she treats people shows that she has a very big heart.”
Despite relinquishing her No. 1 ranking to Iga Swiatek at the season-ending WTA Finals in Cancun last year, Aryna Sabalenka has swiftly returned to form, dropping only two sets in 12 matches.
