MADRID – Aryna Sabalenka is demonstrating an expanded arsenal at the Mutua Madrid Open, supplementing her formidable power game with increased strategic variety. Early in her opening match against Anna Blinkova, she effectively deployed delicate drop shots to win points and even surprised with a serve-and-volley play. This infusion of diverse tactics is playing a significant role in her ascent to the top rank in the WTA.
These subtle yet increasingly vital additions – particularly more frequent net approaches and drop shots – are expected to feature prominently as the tournament progresses. Sabalenka secured a 6-3, 6-4 victory over qualifier Blinkova and was scheduled to meet No. 28 seed Elise Mertens next.
Discussing her evolving strategy, Sabalenka mentioned that clay courts might offer slightly more time due to the slower pace, but she admitted that the increased options can sometimes lead to mental confusion. Despite her current status as the leading player on the Hologic WTA Tour, she is open about the ongoing process of integrating these diverse elements into a game that historically relied heavily on brute force.
She sees the clay court season as an excellent opportunity to practice these newer shots, stressing that success depends on selecting the right shot at the crucial moment.
Moving Forward
Her coach, Anton Dubrov, has spoken about the continuous effort to find areas for improvement. He humorously acknowledges the common advice, like “finish on the net” or “don`t do double faults,” noting that while simple to state, they are challenging to execute effectively. Dubrov emphasizes that deciding to come to the net must be timed correctly and be part of the point`s planned structure.
Statistics illustrate a steady increase in Sabalenka`s net approaches over the past few years. Data heading into the clay season highlighted a significant jump in this area. In 2024, she ranked among the top players for successful net approaches, alongside players known for utilizing this strategy such as Tatjana Maria, Marta Kostyuk, Leylah Fernandez, Elena Rybakina, Beatriz Haddad Maia, Jasmine Paolini, and Coco Gauff.
Variety Amplifies Power
This forward-moving tactical development is applauded by tennis icon Martina Navratilova, a pioneer of aggressive net play. Navratilova stressed the immense value of this evolution, noting that adding variety significantly enhances the effectiveness of power, allowing players to conclude points more quickly and thus improve their chances of winning matches.
Fellow player Jessica Pegula has also observed Sabalenka`s enhancements. Pegula commented on Sabalenka`s improved movement and increased creativity on court, suggesting she has strengthened aspects that were previously considered weaknesses, resulting in a more well-rounded game.
Carolina Garcia, known for her aggressive style, agrees on the benefits of approaching the net. She explained that powerful shots often force opponents back, resulting in shorter replies that provide easier opportunities to finish points at the net compared to prolonged baseline rallies.
Both Sabalenka and her coach consider this strategic shift to be a work in progress, with Dubrov estimating it`s currently around 50-60% complete. They believe that even marginal increases in net approaches can yield substantial benefits over time.
No Mere Drop in the Bucket
The successful integration of the drop shot serves as a clear example of this development. Sabalenka recounted feeling she lacked the touch for the shot years ago and would have laughed at the idea of mastering it. However, during a match in Rome where a shoulder injury limited her options, she was forced to attempt drop shots out of desperation. Discovering their effectiveness under pressure prompted her to dedicate more practice to the shot. Now, she feels a degree of control over it, utilizing it as an element of surprise against opponents positioned deep behind the baseline. She expressed satisfaction at having added this valuable “variation” to her game.
