Aryna Sabalenka will be aiming to take another step forward after what was already a standout 2025 season.
Despite all the success she enjoyed last year, there were still a few things she could have done better. The four-time Grand Slam champion knows that better than anyone.
Her mental game was a talking point throughout the season. Even though she reached three finals and another semi-final, she came away with just one major title.
Now that the off-season is behind us, it is clear that some players have used that time well to work on different areas of their game.
Sabalenka, in particular, seems to have made some noticeable strides. Even small adjustments can make a big difference at her level.
Aryna Sabalenka outlines the key areas of her game that have improved
After moving past Madison Keys to reach the Brisbane semi-finals, Sabalenka spoke with reporters about what she had focused on during her break from competition.
She pointed out that much of that work is still ongoing, even as the new season gets underway, as she looks to turn offseason improvements into match results.
The Belarusian said: “Well, here, in particular, I’m just trying to bring on court things I have been working on in the preseason, such as coming to the net. I was working on my serve, and it seems that it’s working a little bit better.
“I’m just trying to bring on match court things that I have been working on in practice, on the preseason. That’s it. I’m just trying to get some matches, get some wins, get the rhythm going again.”
Sabalenka also gave her thoughts on Keys after finally getting one back following last year’s Australian Open final defeat.
Sabalenka expected to start the Australian Open as strong title favourite
Even though she will not be the defending champion for the first time in three years, Sabalenka is still expected to be the clear favourite heading into Melbourne.
Despite a year filled with near-misses, she made sure 2025 was not without success, capping it off with a US Open win. That result will carry plenty of weight heading into the new season.
The hard-court form she showed in New York should translate well to Melbourne too, and her comfortable win over Keys – who is now the reigning Australian Open champion – adds further momentum going into the Grand Slam opener.
If her mental game holds up, there are not many players who look equipped to stop her from regaining that title.
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