Aryna Sabalenka believes some areas of her game have improved in recent days thanks to the help of her newest recruit.
The world No.1 has added fellow Belarusian Maxi Mirnyi to her team, who has a wealth of experience as both a player and a coach. Mirnyi is a 14-time Grand Slam champion in doubles and cracked the top 20 in singles during his career. He joins as a consultant for Sabalenka for the remainder of this year’s North American hardcourt swing. The addition doesn’t have any impact on the roles of her long-time coach, Anton Dubrov, and performance coach, Jason Stacy.
Mirnyi, who has also previously coached Kei Nishikori on the Tour, battled a serious health issue less than two years ago. In November 2023, he underwent surgery in his native Belarus to treat a malignant brain tumour before undergoing further treatment in America, which is where he currently lives.
“He’s a very smart guy,” Sabalenka said of her new mentor during an interview with The Tennis Channel.
“I’m super happy to see him enjoying life. He went through a difficult situation, battled it really really hard and now he’s enjoying it. I’m super happy to see him smiling and helping us.”
As for what sort of impact the 48-year-old is having on Sabalenka, she has received advice on two areas of her game.
“Definitely some work at the net. He also gave me a few tips on the serve, which is really working well so far and I hope we’re only going to get better on that,” she explained.
“He’s been a really great player in singles and in doubles as well. A very smart player and bringing a new voice in the team is also important.”
Sabalenka is currently playing at the Cincinnati Open. In her opening match on Saturday, she defeated Marketa Vondrousova 7-5, 6-1. She will next take on 30th seed Emma Raducanu, who gave her a stern test in their previous meeting earlier this year.
“We had a great battle at Wimbledon. She’s an amazing player and she’s been playing really well lately,” Sabalenka said of the British No.1.
“I’m super excited to face her on hardcourt. I don’t remember our match at Indian Wells, but I think now she is playing much better. It’s going to be a challenge and I love to accept tough challenges.”
Sabalenka is the defending champion in Cincinnati and is bidding to become the first woman since Serena Williams to win the tournament for a second year in a row.
