Aryna Sabalenka is on a fierce winning streak this season, with four titles, including two Grand Slam victories, pushing her closer than ever to dethroning Iga Swiatek as World No. 1. But while her dominance on the court is undeniable, it’s Sabalenka’s heart off the court that’s stealing the show. Serena Williams’ former coach Rennae Stubbs couldn’t help but highlight Sabalenka’s recent moment of sportsmanship with Coco Gauff, calling it a “great moment in sports.”
In a nail-biting semi-final at the Wuhan Open, Sabalenka defeated Gauff 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, but it wasn’t an easy match for the young American. Gauff struggled, firing four aces but painfully notching up 21 double faults. Sabalenka, no stranger to serving woes herself, approached Gauff afterward with a supportive message: “Girl, I feel you like nobody else. I know what she’s going through.” Stubbs praised the gesture on her podcast, saying that such empathy from one of the world’s top players could leave a lasting impact on the young star’s confidence.
For Gauff, the support couldn’t have come at a better time. With a staggering 382 double faults across 63 matches this season, she’s been working tirelessly to improve her service game, a priority since she joined coach Matt Daly. Despite mixed results, including a tournament-high 25 double faults at Wuhan, Gauff remains optimistic. “I am working on new things, a slightly different movement,” she said. “I think I just need time and to keep working.”
As the season unfolds, Gauff’s determination to turn her service struggles around will be one to watch. Meanwhile, Sabalenka’s talent and humility continue to endear her to fans, proving she’s as much a champion in character as she is on the scoreboard.
