Aryna Sabalenka has an honest but also interesting explanation on why she never idolized Serena Williams as the Belarusian tennis star claims her goal was always to be the one who would provide inspiration to others, and not receive.
Williams, who walked away from pro tennis after the 2022 US Open, dominated the game for two decades and finished with 23 Grand Slams and numerous other accolades. While the American tennis icon went down as one of the greatest players ever, she will also always be remembered as one of the most powerful female players.
When Sabalenka first showed up on the Tour, she resembled Williams in some ways with her game. And the Belarusian never hid that she wanted to be a very aggressive player and extremely powerful with her shots. That led to her being compared to the former 23-time Grand Slam champion.
Sabalenka explains why she never idolized Williams or anyone else
"Of course, I want to dominate the way Serena was dominating the tour. But growing up, I didnt have any idols. I dont know if its good or bad because everyone was inspired by someone, and I want to be an inspiration for the next generation. I think thats the goal in life," the 27-year-old told Boardroom.
After struggling to make a big Grand Slam breakthrough early in her career, Sabalenka finally joined the Slam champions list in early after making it all the way at the Australian Open. Seven months after achieving her dream of becoming a Grand Slam winner, the Belarusian also accomplished her second huge goal when she reached the world No. 1 spot for the first time in her career. She has since won two more Majors, and she has been sitting at the top spot since last September.
Sabalenka's major success over the past two and a half years increased her popularity, and there is no doubt that more girls are looking up to her.
