Former Serena Williams coach predicts Aryna Sabalenka's continued dominance on WTA Tour: “She has the most explosive and complete firepower”

Former Serena Williams coach, Rick Macci, believes Aryna Sabalenka can remain dominant on the WTA Tour and praised her ‘firepower’ in the most important shots of tennis. The world No. 1 is preparing for her season debut this Monday at the Brisbane International.

The Belarusian had an impressive 2024 season, winning two Grand Slam titles—Australian Open and US Open—and finishing the year as world No. 1 for the first time in her career, ending Iga Swiatek’s 50-week streak at the top.

Sabalenka's 'firepower' could keep her at the top

At the start of this season, many see Sabalenka as the favorite to maintain the form she displayed in the second half of 2024, especially in Australia, where she has shown that the conditions suit her perfectly. For Macci, the power in the shots of the world No. 1 is the key element for her to continue dominating.

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The coach knows well what it's like to work with players of Sabalenka’s caliber, having previously trained several No. 1 players and Grand Slam winners, including Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick, Jennifer Capriati, and sisters Serena and Venus Williams. While Macci believes Sabalenka’s shots are above the rest on the Tour, he thinks the mental factor will be crucial for the 26-year-old Belarusian.

“If Sabalenka mentally stays locked, loaded, and ready to launch every point, she could dominate,” Macci posted on social media. “She has the most explosive and complete firepower on the 3 big-ticket items: forehand, backhand, and serve, but the wildcard is how she handles her nerve.”

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Sabalenka is the top seed in Brisbane, where she reached the final a year ago (losing to Elena Rybakina). She will debut against Mexican Renata Zarazua (No. 75), who has had a consistent rise over the past year and recently defeated Viktoriya Tomova (No. 53) 6-0, 6-3 in the first round.

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