Storm Hunter recounts taking part in Aryna Sabalenka throughout No. 1’s notorious serving woes

Storm Hunter insists she didn’t wish to take into consideration Aryna Sabalenka’s serving woes earlier than or throughout their 2022 Australian Open match and in the end realized that she was completely proper to deal with the Belarusian with the most important respect. 

When you bear in mind properly, the present world No. 1 was battling main points on her serve at the beginning of the 2022 season. After blasting 18 double faults towards Kaja Juvan in Adelaide, the 26-year-old additionally double faulted 21 occasions a few days later versus Rebecca Peterson – she misplaced each matches. 

Going into the 2022 Australian Open, Sabalenka regarded a bit misplaced on the courtroom because it was clear that she was doubting herself and low confidence. 

Hunter recollects drawing Sabalenka on the Australian Open 

“I do not care whether or not she has yips or not – she’s No. 2 on the earth. There was by no means a dialog in my staff of like ‘oh, as soon as she begins double faulting, you are gonna get this.’ It was nearly most likely unprofessional or immature to assume ‘oh she’s simply going to maintain serving like that’. As a result of she’s a celebrity; we revered her, her sport, and her serve. We couldn’t take that without any consideration,” Hunter told the Australian Open website.

Early in the match, Sabalenka sprayed a couple of double faults and dropped the opener before also falling down by an early break in the second set. But despite a notable lead, the world No. 192 never thought her win was sealed. 

In the end, the world No. 1 showed great mental strength and came back to win 5-7 6-3 6-2 despite hitting 12 double faults during the match.

Storm Hunter and Aryna Sabalenka© YouTube screenshot

“She did not give something away mentally. I regarded down the opposite finish, and it appeared she was as composed as she might be. She wasn’t breaking down like she was in Adelaide. I simply felt like, she’s gonna discover a approach, she’s a competitor,” Hunter recalled. 

Since then, the 26-year-old hasn’t misplaced a match in Melbourne after profitable back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2023 and 2024. 

However earlier than these triumphs, Sabalenka employed a biomechanics coach to assist her resolve her serving points.