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Is Sabalenka Underachieving at Grand Slams?

BBC Sport •
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Following a recent loss, questions linger about Aryna Sabalenka's ability to perform under pressure at the Grand Slams. Despite dominating the women's tennis scene for the past two years, with nine WTA titles, her record in major finals is mixed. She has won four and lost four, raising concerns about her mental fortitude on the sport's biggest stages.

In the latest Australian Open final, Sabalenka led 3-0 in the final set against Elena Rybakina before faltering. Former players have noted her struggles with composure at key moments. This defeat, along with six semi-final losses, fuels the narrative that Sabalenka isn't fully realizing her potential, despite her world No. 1 ranking.

Sabalenka's journey includes overcoming past mental hurdles, working with a psychologist and biomechanics expert. While her serve has improved, the pressure of the big stage continues to test her. Going forward, Sabalenka must address these mental challenges if she wants to consistently win major titles.

Rybakina's victory highlights the importance of mental resilience in high-stakes matches. Her composure in crucial moments secured her second major title. The focus now shifts to how Sabalenka will respond to this setback and whether she can translate her dominance into consistent Grand Slam success.