Aryna Sabalenka assesses the biggest learnings she has had in 2025 despite losing a handful of finals

Aryna Sabalenka has now lost three finals in 2025, including the Stuttgart Open final recently.

Aryna Sabalenka assesses the biggest learnings she has had in 2025 despite losing a handful of finals

Aryna Sabalenka (Image via Instagram @arynasabalenka)

Aryna Sabalenka is currently the best player in the world. The Belarusian star has displayed remarkable consistency over the past 18–19 months, making her one of the finest players in the game today.

However, she has lost several finals this season. Despite these late stumbles, the World No. 1 insists she has learned something from each of those heartbreaking defeats.

YouTube video

Throughout my career, I have lost several finals that were hard to digest. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from it, it’s that you need a short memory to be a successful tennis player. My only plan right now is to forget what happened here and work harder to do better in Madrid.

Aryna Sabalenka said in her post-match press conference (H/T: Punto de Break)

Sabalenka has won two WTA titles this season — at the Brisbane International and the Miami Open. However, she has also lost three finals: at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, and most recently, Stuttgart.

The most heartbreaking of these was the Australian Open final, where she aimed for a three-peat in Melbourne. Unfortunately for her, she lost to Madison Keys in the final.

Aryna Sabalenka’s earnings after Stuttgart tournament

Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka reached the final of the 2025 WTA Stuttgart Open but fell short once again. This time she was beaten by Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets, marking her fourth loss in a Stuttgart final. Still, she earned 325 ranking points, improving on her quarter-final run from last year.

Aryna Sabalenka (3)
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X/News Aryna Sabalenka)

Jelena Ostapenko was the star of the tournament. She beat both Sabalenka and World No. 2 Iga Swiatek on her way to the title. Winning as an unseeded player made her victory even more impressive, especially with top names like Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula in the draw.

The win gave Ostapenko a big jump in the rankings. She moved up six places to World No. 18, with 2,345 total points. She had little to defend from last year, so the 500 points from Stuttgart made a big impact.

Ostapenko also took home a brand-new Porsche, the prize given to the winner each year. She earned $162,181 in prize money, while Sabalenka collected $99,878 for finishing runner-up. Despite the loss, it was still a strong showing from Sabalenka in a stacked field.

Aryna Sabalenka’s draw at Madrid Open

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has a good start at the 2025 Madrid Open. She begins in round two, likely against a qualifier. In round three, she may face Elise Mertens, whom she just beat in Stuttgart. The big test could come in round four against Amanda Anisimova, the 15th seed.

Aryna Sabalenka (4)
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via WTA/X)

If Sabalenka reaches the quarter-finals, she might play either Zheng Qinwen or Paula Badosa. Both are strong players and could give her a tough match. Emma Raducanu is also in this part of the draw. She starts against Suzan Lamens and could face Marta Kostyuk next. If she keeps winning, Badosa may be her third-round opponent.

Coco Gauff is another big name to watch. She is in the bottom half of the draw and may meet Clara Tauson in round four. After that, she could face Mirra Andreeva, who has been in great form, winning titles in Dubai and Indian Wells. Gauff will hope to find her rhythm again after a slow start to the season.

At the very bottom of the draw is Iga Swiatek. She is the defending champion, but has a tricky road. She could face Alex Eala in her first match — the same player who shocked her in Miami. Linda Noskova, who beat Swiatek at the Australian Open, might be next. Jelena Ostapenko or Diana Shnaider could follow in round four.