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Aryna Sabalenka's ex-coach questions lack of strong rivals

2026-07-17 · Aryna Sabalenka · Opinion

Aryna Sabalenka's ex-coach questions lack of strong rivals

Aryna Sabalenka's former coach has raised questions about the lack of consistently strong rivals for the world No. 1, suggesting it may affect her dominance in women's tennis. The Belarusian star has maintained her top ranking, but her ex-coach believes the competitive landscape could be more challenging.

What did the ex-coach say?

Sabalenka's former coach, whose identity was not disclosed in the source, argued that the current field lacks players who can consistently push the world No. 1 to her limits. This comes after Sabalenka's recent performances, where she has faced fewer high-stakes matches against top-tier opponents.

Why does this matter for Sabalenka?

The absence of strong rivals could impact Sabalenka's preparation and motivation. Historically, tennis greats like Serena Williams and Steffi Graf thrived in eras with fierce competition. Sabalenka's ability to maintain her form without regular battles against elite players remains a key question.

What comes next?

Sabalenka will look to prove her dominance in upcoming tournaments, including the US Open. If she continues to win without facing top-10 opponents, the debate over her competition will likely persist. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see if new challengers emerge to test the world No. 1.

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