Aryna Sabalenka Declares Herself the Most Powerful in Women’s Tennis, Dismissing Serena’s Reign
In the ever-evolving world of women’s tennis, raw power has become a key weapon—and few wield it quite like Aryna Sabalenka. As the current World No. 1 gears up for a high-stakes French Open quarterfinal against Iga Swiatek, she’s made a bold statement: not even Serena Williams, long hailed as the queen of power, could outmatch her strength on court.
Sabalenka was asked whether she’d ever faced someone more powerful than herself, especially recalling her 2021 Australian Open clash against Williams. Her response was firm. “I don’t think I’ve ever played someone who is more powerful than me,” she stated. “And honestly, I don’t care if someone tries to outhit me or make me run. I’ve evolved a lot over the years. I’m ready for anything.”
Aryna Sabalenka says she’s never played anyone more powerful than her, and she doesn’t believe Serena Williams overpowered her in their 2021 match
“Have you ever played a player more powerful than you in a match? Is power threatening to you? Do you like to play against a player… pic.twitter.com/QydgpDw000
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 3, 2025
She went on to explain that while Serena had the edge in that match—thanks to better fitness and consistency—she didn’t feel overpowered. “Physically, she was better and returned more balls, but I didn’t feel like she overpowered me,” Sabalenka clarified.
Their 2021 duel was one of the most talked-about matches of that Australian Open. It showcased explosive baseline rallies and high-octane exchanges, thrilling fans and emphasizing both players’ brute strength. Serena, reflecting after the win, embraced the challenge: “If she wants to play power, let’s go.”
Now in 2025, Sabalenka seems determined to redefine the power narrative in women’s tennis. As she eyes her first French Open title, she’s doubling down on her aggressive game—one that’s already earned her two Grand Slam trophies. But interestingly, the Belarusian also spoke about a surprising factor that may be aiding her Roland Garros campaign: a recent loss.
Sabalenka was defeated by Qinwen Zheng in the Italian Open final, yet called it a blessing in disguise. “I was pretty exhausted,” she admitted. “At the end of that match, I was actually glad I lost. I needed a break before Roland Garros.” The plan worked. In Paris, she flipped the script—beating Zheng in straight sets in the fourth round.
Looking ahead, her next opponent is the reigning Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek. The two have built a compelling rivalry, and their upcoming quarterfinal is widely seen as a potential tournament decider. Swiatek leads the head-to-head, but Sabalenka’s current form—and mindset—could pose a serious challenge.
With the stage set at Court Philippe-Chatrier, Sabalenka isn’t just chasing a title—she’s staking her claim as the most dominant force in women’s tennis today. Whether she can match Serena’s legacy remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: she believes her power speaks louder than any past record.