Aryna Sabalenka's Grand Slam Setbacks Get Honest Verdict From Caroline Wozniacki

Aryna Sabalenka has won only one of the last six Majors, drawing criticism from some quarters. However, Former World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki came to her defense, saying Sabalenka is human and deserves credit for her dominance in the WTA.

What happened?

Sabalenka's recent Slam loss came at the hands of Naomi Osaka, which meant this was the first time Sabalenka failed to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal since the 2022 French Open. However, Wozniacki was on point in giving Osaka her due, as Sabalenka had no chance to come back in the match. The World No.1, who's known for her return, could only muster two break points against the Osaka serve, both of which she could not convert.

Why it matters for Aryna Sabalenka

Wozniacki's defense of Sabalenka highlights the pressure and scrutiny that comes with being a top-ranked player. Despite recent losses, Sabalenka has won 17 titles and 211 matches since 2023, cementing her status as one of the dominant forces in the WTA. However, her recent setbacks have raised questions about her ability to perform under pressure.

What comes next?

Sabalenka's next event will be the Canadian Open, and the two-time defending US Open champion will be determined to end the year by winning the last Major of the season. With Wozniacki's support, Sabalenka will look to bounce back from her recent losses and continue her dominance in the WTA.

Sabalenka's recent Slam loss came at the hands of Naomi Osaka, which meant this was the first time Sabalenka failed to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal since the 2022 French Open. However, Wozniacki was on point in giving Osaka her due, as Sabalenka had no chance to come back in the match. The World No.1, who's known for her return, could only muster two break points against the Osaka serve, both of which she could not convert.

The windy conditions in Paris disrupted Sabalenka's power game, something which cost her during the 2025 French Open final as well as against Coco Gauff. It has been a mixture of opponents playing great tennis and Sabalenka herself imploding at crucial points, which has cost the top-ranked player in the World at Grand Slams.

At the Australian Open final this year, she lost her rhythm despite being 3-0 up in the third set against Elena Rybakina. On the other hand, she faced an inspired Madison Keys at the Melbourne final last year, who snatched the title from the Belarusian with a power game that matched Sabalenka shot for shot.

Since she reached her first Major final at the 2023 Australian Open, Sabalenka has reached eight Slam finals in total, four of which she lost. However, from 2023 onward, looking at her overall results would make it clear how dominant the Belarusian has been. Since 2023, she has reached 29 finals, winning 17 titles, while having an overall record of 211 wins and only 41 losses across four and a half seasons.

Even this year, she has been dominant, winning three titles, including winning the coveted Sunshine Double. Sabalenka's next event will be the Canadian Open, and the two-time defending US Open champion will be determined to end the year by winning the last Major of the season.