Make that 11 straight wins in NYC for Aryna Sabalenka. The reigning Australian Open champion has long been celebrated for her raw, destructive power—a force of nature that can blow any opponent off the court. But her recent dominant run to a second consecutive US Open semifinal, stretching her flawless record at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, is about more than just thunderous groundstrokes and a booming serve. It is the story of a player who has forged a champion's mindset, transforming from a thrilling talent into a polished and relentless winner.
Analysis: The Anatomy of a Power Game
To analyze Sabalenka's game is to study the blueprint of modern power tennis.
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The Serve: Once a liability plagued by double faults, her serve is now a monumental weapon. She generates effortless power and precision, routinely firing aces and unreturnables to bail herself out of trouble. This technical overhaul is one of the most significant improvements in recent WTA history.
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The Forehand: A sledgehammer. Sabalenka’s forehand is arguably the most fearsome shot in women's tennis. She hits it with immense pace, heavy topspin, and from any position on the court. It’s her primary tool for dictating play and ending points.
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The Backhand: While the forehand is the wrecking ball, her backhand is a precise and powerful piston. She drives through the ball with two hands, taking it early and robbing her opponents of precious time. It’s a reliable, penetrating shot that prevents rivals from simply avoiding her forehand.
Yet, these weapons are not new. What has changed is the engine room that controls them: her mind.
The Mental Metamorphosis: From Chaos to Calm
The most compelling part of Sabalenka's 11-match win streak in New York is her mental transformation. The player once known for emotional volatility on court has become a picture of focused intensity.
This shift is the true hallmark of a champion. In the past, a missed shot could lead to a missed game. A bad line call could unravel her entire set. Now, we see a different Sabalenka:
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Emotional Resilience: She has learned to manage the inevitable frustrations of the game. Instead of yelling at her box or berating herself, she now takes a deep breath, turns to the back fence, and resets. She accepts the error and immediately focuses on the next point, a skill that is simple in theory but incredibly difficult in the high-stakes pressure of a major.
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Clarity Under Pressure: In tight moments, her game plan does not disintegrate. She trusts her weapons and, crucially, her fitness. She believes she is the best player on the court and plays with the conviction to back it up. This self-belief is a shield against doubt and a weapon against opponents who sense hesitation.
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The "Next Point" Mentality: Champions live in the present. Sabalenka has mastered the art of treating every point as its own separate battle. Win or lose the previous point, her posture, focus, and determination remain the same. This consistency of attitude makes her incredibly difficult to break down mentally.
The Champion's Mindset: It's Not Just About Hitting Hard
Sabalenka’s journey confirms a universal truth in sports: at the highest level, the difference between winning and losing is often between the ears. Power can get you to the top, but a fortified mindset is what keeps you there.
Her 11 straight wins in NYC are a testament to this evolution. She is no longer just a player you watch with anticipation for the spectacular; she is a player you watch with respect for her complete and hardened game.
She has built a fortress of mental strength around her powerful game, and right now, it looks virtually impregnable. The rest of the tour has been put on notice: Aryna Sabalenka, the complete champion, is here to stay.