Aryna Sabalenka Unleashes on Coaches who Called her “Not Smart Enough”

Aryna Sabalenka is seeking her first Grand Slam outside of the hard courts this year at Roland Garros.

Aryna Sabalenka Unleashes on Coaches who Called her “Not Smart Enough”

Aryna Sabalenka (image via X)

Aryna Sabalenka, the current World No. 1, made headlines at the French Open with a dominant win over Olga Danilovic. Her powerful performance sent a strong signal to those who once questioned her rise to the top of tennis. Sabalenka has long been known for her aggressive style and fierce drive, both of which were on full display in her recent match.

In her post-match press conference, Sabalenka addressed the harsh criticisms she faced from former coaches. She shared how some doubted her intelligence and ability to succeed in the sport. With a bold response, she suggested that those coaches “should quit their jobs,” highlighting her determination to silence those who underestimated her. Sabalenka said in her Roland Garros press conference:

It’s not about, like, push me too hard. I’ve always been quite motivated. They didn’t have to push me. But I’ve heard a lot of them saying that I’m not smart enough, that I’m stupid, and that I’ll never make it. And that I don’t have anything to make it to the top. I guess I want to send a quick message to them to quit their jobs. Honestly, I think they know nothing and they better quit just to save other player.

A strong team, including coach Anton Dubrov and fitness trainer Jason Stacy, has helped Sabalenka’s rise in tennis. Her impressive career includes three Grand Slam titles and nearly $35 million in prize money. These achievements reflect not only her talent but also the consistent support and guidance from her trusted inner circle.

Over the years, Sabalenka has worked with several professionals, including Dmitry Tursunov, Didi Kindlmann, and biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan. Each has helped shape her game. Despite her intensity on court, she values calm and emotionally aware coaches who bring balance to her team. Their connection goes beyond tennis, often seen in the lighthearted moments they share during tournaments.

Aryna Sabalenka breezed past Olga Danilovic

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the fourth round of the French Open with a strong performance against Olga Danilovic. She claimed a straight-set victory, 6-2, 6-3, in a match played on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Friday. From the start, Sabalenka dictated the pace and never allowed her opponent to settle.

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka (via X)

In the opening set, the Belarusian quickly built a 5-0 lead before Danilovic managed to hold serve and break back. Still, Sabalenka responded swiftly, wrapping up the set with powerful groundstrokes and steady control. Danilovic offered some resistance in the second set but couldn’t match Sabalenka’s intensity.

Sabalenka’s aggressive play from the baseline kept the pressure on throughout. She closed the match with an unreturnable serve after one hour and 20 minutes. Her dominance was clear despite a few short-lived challenges from the Serbian player.

The match was held in front of a sparse crowd, typical for early-day sessions at Roland Garros. With this win, Sabalenka remains a top contender for the title. She will face 16th seed Amanda Anisimova in the fourth round on Sunday.

Aryna Sabalenka’s win in Roland Garros third round by the numbers

The Belarusian has been in top form, dropping only 10 games across four matches at Roland Garros so far. She has also won 32 of her 37 matches this season in straight sets.

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

Sabalenka is the only player to have made the fourth round at both the Australian Open and French Open for three straight years. Coco Gauff could match that record, depending on her upcoming match. Danilovic, facing a No. 1 player for the first time, struggled early. Sabalenka took a quick 5-0 lead in the first set before Danilovic managed to respond.

This match marked a significant milestone for Danilovic, who was hoping to reach her best-ever Grand Slam result. But Sabalenka’s experience and power proved too much. She has already claimed titles in Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid this season and has reached six finals, matching a feat not seen since Serena Williams in 2013.

Sabalenka’s dominance continues to be reflected in the rankings. She will remain at No. 1 for at least 33 consecutive weeks, no matter how the tournament ends. Since 2023, she has earned 50 Grand Slam match wins, the most among active players, ahead of Iga Swiatek’s 39.

Also Read: Aryna Sabalenka Urges Critics to Stop Pressurizing Novak Djokovic in the Twilight of his Career