Saturday, June 28, 2025
Home Tenis "I have heard I am stupid" - Aryna Sabalenka reveals how ex-coaches...

“I have heard I am stupid” – Aryna Sabalenka reveals how ex-coaches brutally crushed her confidence

Aryna Sabalenka lambasted her former coaches in a revealing admission after her third-round win at the 2025 French Open. The Belarusian recalled their discouraging assessments of her and called on them to quit their jobs for the sake of the players they are working with now.

Ad

The reigning No. 1 is in red-hot form at Roland Garros. She steamrolled her way past her first and second-round opponents, and it was no different against Olga Danilovic on Friday, May 30. Following her 6-2, 6-3 victory against the Serb, the Belarusian attended a post-match press conference, where she was asked about being pushed by her former coaches.

Without naming any of them, Aryna Sabalenka remembered times when they questioned her intelligence and abilities.

Ad

"It's not about pushing me too hard. I've always been quite motivated, and they didn't have to push me. But I have heard a lot. Saying I'm not smart enough, that I'm stupid and I'll never make it and I don't have anything to make it to the top," the three-time Major champion said.

Ad

According to the Belarusian, internally, she laughed off the criticism knowing she would one day ascend to where she is now in tennis. The 27-year-old also asked her ex-coaches to leave tennis coaching for good, claiming this would benefit the players working under their tutelage now.

"I was just laughing and saying 'we'll see.' I guess I want to send a quick message to them to quit their job, because honestly, I think they know nothing and they better quit just to save other players," Aryna Sabalenka concluded.

Ad

In 2020, Sabalenka roped in compatriot Anton Dubrov as her coach, and he has remained by her side ever since. Under Dubrov's guidance, she has established herself as one of the most dominant players in contemporary women's tennis and won 14 of her 20 career singles titles, including the 2023 and 2024 editions of the Australian Open and the 2024 US Open.


Aryna Sabalenka's coach Anton Dubrov's 2024 admission on pupil's improvement in 'adapting'

Anton Dubrov (left) and Aryna Sabalenka (right) during a training session at the 2025 French Open (Source: Getty)
Anton Dubrov (left) and Aryna Sabalenka (right) during a training session at the 2025 French Open (Source: Getty)

Anton Dubrov has also overseen Aryna Sabalenka's rise to the WTA singles No. 1 on two occasions. She was the top-ranked player briefly in 2023, but reclaimed the position last year and is yet to be dethroned. In November 2024, Dubrov spoke up about what Sabalenka needs to do to stay in pole position and also a key area of improvement he has noticed in her.

Ad

"The only thing you can do is your next match. And this is the thing: because you’re No. 1, everyone plays against you like they have nothing to lose. They can play the best game they can do. And you, with all the stress and all this level, you always have to be consistent, or even higher, all the time," Dubrov told Arab News' Reem Abulleil.

Ad

"I think, for her it’s about finding the way to adapt to all the situations. She is much better at doing that right now. She understands, even if she’s not at her best level," he added.

At the 2025 French Open, Sabalenka's next challenge is a fourth-round clash against Amanda Anisimova. The American is one of the few players who boasts a superior head-to-head against the No. 1, having won five out of the pair's seven clashes. Their last encounter came in the quarterfinals at last year's Canadian Open, which Anisimova won 6-4, 6-2.

Quick Links

Edited by Sudipto Pati
RELATED ARTICLES

“She was so close to dying that whether she wins or loses, I’m just thanking God”: When Serena Williams’ dad Richard addressed her Wimbledon...

Serena Williams found herself in a difficult position upon making a comeback to the 2011 Wimbledon Championships after prolonged health issues. Richard Williams shared his thoughts on his daughter's struggles amid her campaign at SW19. Ad Williams had a difficult start to the 2011 season, as she was forced to pull out of the Hopman

“My mum’s getting messages” – How Emma Raducanu, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic & Aryna Sabalenka’s Wimbledon 1R opponents have reacted to their draw

Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, Emma Raducanu and other leading stars of the sport have gathered in London for Wimbledon 2025. The tournament gets underway from Monday, June 30, and the draws were revealed on Friday, June 27. Ad It's usually expected that top players will clear the first hurdle, especially since they face

“It’s a good reminder” – Aryna Sabalenka reveals the meaning behind her Tiger tattoo

Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka recently discussed the meaning of her tiger tattoo on her left arm and her admiration for tigers in general, something which she uses to identify herself. The World No. 1 also has another tiger tattoo on her left thigh, with the symbol also prevalent on her equipment and accessories. Ad

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -

Most Popular

NBA Trade Rumors: Andrew Wiggins to LA Lakers has no motion despite prior reportsĀ 

The latest NBA trade rumors suggest that there is no development in Andrew Wiggins' potential to the LA Lakers, despite significant talks during the draft. Several reports indicated that the deal stalled because the Lakers didn't want to offload Dalton Knecht in a potential trade. The Heat either wanted him or a first-round pick. The

Clippers Trade Rumors: $90,000,000 ‘intriguing’ asset to add size next to Kawhi Leonard

After an impressive season, Norman Powell is seen to be on the trading block as the LA Clippers look to add size next to two-time NBA champion Kawhi Leonard. According to Law Murray of The Athletic, Powell, whose five-year, $90 million contract is eligible for extension, will be a top candidate for any potential trade

“She was so close to dying that whether she wins or loses, I’m just thanking God”: When Serena Williams’ dad Richard addressed her Wimbledon...

Serena Williams found herself in a difficult position upon making a comeback to the 2011 Wimbledon Championships after prolonged health issues. Richard Williams shared his thoughts on his daughter's struggles amid her campaign at SW19. Ad Williams had a difficult start to the 2011 season, as she was forced to pull out of the Hopman

“It all worked out”: NBA insider optimistic about Ace Bailey, citing Steph Curry’s eerily similar draft situation with Warriors

Ace Bailey has not played a minute in the NBA but he has already been likened to two-time MVP Steph Curry. Both Curry and Bailey refused to work out with multiple interested teams heading into their respective drafts. Ad On Wednesday, the Utah Jazz, reportedly not on Bailey’s preferred landing spots, used their No. 5

Recent Comments