“Losing those finals is really tough": Aryna Sabalenka opens up on lessons learned in 2025

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continues to assert her dominance in women’s tennis in 2025, showing both consistency and resilience at the top of the game. In a recent interview, she briefly touched on what makes her so effective on court, highlighting the importance of staying strong and focused in every match.

After a demanding 2025 season that saw her win her fourth Grand Slam at the US Open, she is maintaining a winning rhythm and will head to the WTA Finals in Riyadh as the main favorite and having already secured the year-end World No. 1 ranking.

This season, Sabalenka has compiled a staggering 59-11 record, earning over US$12 million in prize money already. Her dominance is evident in how she manages expectations, balancing the highs of winning with the lessons learned in defeat, being the first player to qualify for the Finals, several months ago. “Qualifying early means that the consistency of my game is there, and I’m doing really great so far in the season,” she said in an interview with WTA, highlighting her steady mindset and focus on continual improvement.

The four-time Major champion added four titles to her list of achievements this season, reaching a total of 21 career titles. However, she also lost in four other finals this season (bringing her career finals record to 21-18), including two Major finals at the Australian Open (against Keys) and the French Open (against Gauff).

For Sabalenka, setbacks are opportunities. Each loss strengthens her resolve and reminds her why she fights for every point. “Reaching finals is a high point, but losing those finals is really tough… accepting those losses wasn’t easy. So it was kind of an up-and-down moment at the same time, but I believe it was a lesson.”

Beyond results, Sabalenka’s personal growth is clear. “I’m more mature, more experienced. I know the game a little bit better, and I feel like, as a person, I’m much better right now,” the Belarusian added. “So I think nowadays, this is the happiest Aryna. It means that all my life wasn’t a waste of time, and that I’m on the right path. Everything was for a reason, and I’m just proving to myself and to my family that we’ve been doing everything right.”

For Aryna, ambition drives every step. Her goal has always been clear: “To be the best one at anything I’m doing… since I was only doing tennis, the ambition was to be the best at tennis. It’s still the same.” That unwavering focus has shaped her into the most consistent player in the Majors over recent seasons. Even in 2025, she continues to challenge herself against the best, while maintaining the physical and mental toughness that defines a champion.

Her perspective on setbacks is equally revealing. Every loss is framed as a lesson that contributes to growth and resilience. “I see a really strong girl… also a really strong, mentally tough girl who went through a lot, survived, and turned those challenges into strength,” she says.

The WTA Finals await, marking Sabalenka’s fifth consecutive appearance at the season-ending championship. Her track record in the event includes a final in 2022 and semifinals in both 2023 and 2024. With this experience, she approaches the tournament with confidence and determination. Each match is an opportunity to reaffirm her status as World No. 1 and continue building a legacy that blends dominance, resilience, and maturity.