Serena Williams’ ex-coach fires stern Aryna Sabalenka warning to WTA competitors

Rick Macci sees a silver lining in Aryna Sabalenka’s heartbreaking Australian Open last as Serena Williams’ childhood coach thinks this may solely make the Belarusian mentally stronger and result in extra Grand Slam titles in her assortment.

After dominating the 2023 and 2024 Australian Open editions, the world No. 1 gave the impression to be destined to finish a three-peat at Melbourne Park. 

However then, Madison Keys delivered a really inspiring efficiency to smash these plans and edge out the highest seed 6-3 2-6 7-5 for her maiden Slam title.

Moments after dropping the ultimate, Sabalenka was seen slamming her racket – placing a towel over her head – and leaving the court docket to attempt to settle down. 

Aryna Sabalenka© X screenshot

 

With that being stated, it wasn’t onerous to grasp how pissed off and devastated the three-time Grand Slam champion was over failing to land one other Main but additionally write historical past at Melbourne Park.

“Sabalenka will become mentally stronger after losing to Keys,” Macci wrote on X. 

“She has the best flat out pure raw firepower on tour and now her mindset will elevate to another level of determination and many Grand Slams will be her destination.”

— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) February 7, 2025 Sabalenka vowed to return stronger 

The Belarusian did not conceal her disappointment in her post-final presser, highlighting that in the long run, just one factor issues – it is the title. 

After making that clear, she promised to return higher and make all of it the best way on the Australian Open as soon as once more sooner or later.

“I think when you get to the point of finals, it’s trophy or nothing,” Sabalenka stated in her presser after ending as runner-up.

“Nobody remembers the finalist, you know? Nobody puts the finalist’s name next to the winner! At this point, I go for titles.

“However I’ve to be happy with myself with three finals in a row. That is one thing loopy. I hope that subsequent 12 months I will come again as a greater participant, and I will maintain [the trophy] another time.”