Sabalenka has machine-like consistency – but she’s no ‘robot’

Semi-finals of the US Open 2025 for women

Flushing Meadows, New York, on September 5th, 2000 BST.

Aryna Sabalenka has won numerous Grand Slam titles while competing against other women’s players.

The world no. 1 has made 12 semi-final appearances in her past 13 major tournaments, with the most recent one being against Jessica Pegula at the US Open on Thursday, with a powerful style that can be translated across court surfaces.

Only three of those have resulted in titles, which is the kicker, though Sabalenka’s propensity to burn at a critical time.

The 27-year-old Belarusian hasn’t won a trophy in any of his attempts at the majors this year.

A erratic level has caused devastating defeats in the Australian Open final, French Open final, and Wimbledon semi-finals.

In a bid to cross the finish line, Sabalenka has signed 10-time doubles Grand Slam champion Max Mirnyi in her team in a bid to win his last significant trophy, which came when she defeated Pegula in the New York final a year ago.

After Sabalenka’s practice at Flushing Meadows on Wednesday, Mirnyi said, “Everything fluctuates in life.”

“We’re not robots, we’re not machines, right?” They’re still human, even though some of the professionals are good at their fields.

Being good is not always enough, as it is. Making perfect a tennis match is a challenge.

Sabalenka acknowledges that she has lost control when she struggles to find a winning way, especially in the most difficult situations.

It was frustration in Melbourne that the destructive power of the Madison Keys could not be overcome.

It was furious as Coco Gauff fought back at Roland Garros, making 70 unforced errors.

It was fear that Amanda Anisimova’s bravery did not match her at Wimbledon.

She is emotional, I believe. However, having control over those ups and downs is important, Mirnyi said.

She will gain more and more experience as she gets older, which is normal for younger people with more emotional outbursts.

A tie-break situation is one area where Sabalenka has remained consistently composed recently.

The three-time major champion has reached the last four without losing a set in her past 17 tie-breaks, including two in New York.

In Thursday’s first semi-final, Pegula, the fourth seed from the United States, will face her in another factor, both mentally and physically.

After suffering a broken leg less than two hours prior to Tuesday’s game, Sabalenka has missed a game since Sunday.

Can a walkover give you a boost and a boost? Or a curse because it disrupts rhythm?

Marion Bartoli, the former Wimbledon champion, commented on Sky Sports, “It can be challenging.”

Every member of her team must take the responsibility of making sure her body functions properly and that her mind is present. “

They practiced for about an hour on Tuesday evening after learning about Vondrousova’s misfortune.

“I was just trying to move and throw up my energy,” Sabalenka said.

I wanted to sweat and act like it was some sort of activity or game.

On Wednesday lunchtime, Sabalenka resumed playing the warm-up courts after what she would consider to be a “normal” session in the days leading up to the games.

There was plenty of movement and work in all of her game’s defense, attacking, and serve returns during the 45-minute practice, but there was also time for fun.

Sabalenka slammed the areas between Mirnyi’s legs and Jason Stacy during serving exercises.

You are taught to wait around and deal with these circumstances, said Mirnyi, a tennis player.

However, in Thursday’s second semi-final, Naomi Osaka, a two-time champion, will be in her sights.

Iga Swiatek, a Polish national, defeated Anisimova 6-0 6-0 in only 57 minutes to reach her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon last month.

However, the 24-year-old American made amends for that agonizing experience by defeating Swiatek on Wednesday in the New York quarter-finals.

Anisimova, who had only won three of her eight matches at Flushing Meadows, said, “It’s the farthest I’ve gone by far at the US Open and it’s extremely special.”