World number one Aryna Sabalenka has opened up about the harsh treatment she endured as a young tennis player, revealing that she was told she was “stupid” and would “never make it” by her early coaches.
Speaking after her straight-sets win over Serbia’s Olga Danilovic at the French Open on Friday, Sabalenka shared insights into the harsh realities of the Eastern European coaching environment she experienced while growing up in Belarus.
The 27-year-old, who dispatched Danilovic 6-2, 6-3 in just 79 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier to secure her place in the last 16, was candid in her criticism of past coaches.
“I’ve always been very motivated, so I didn’t need pushing,” she said. “But I was often told I wasn’t smart enough, that I was stupid and wouldn’t succeed. I’d like to send a message to those coaches: quit your jobs. Honestly, I don’t think they know what they’re doing, and they should step away to avoid damaging other players.”
Sabalenka, who now lives in Miami, has claimed three Grand Slam titles — two Australian Opens and the US Open — and next faces 16th seed Amanda Anisimova in the fourth round at Roland Garros.
She expressed gratitude for her current support team, describing them as a close-knit family. “Off court, it’s so important to be around the right people and enjoy your time with them. That’s what I have — we’re like family,” she said. “On court, I’m a different person: focused, aggressive. I’m chasing my dreams and giving it everything.”
‘Harsher Upbringing, Stronger Mindset’
The reigning Madrid Open champion expanded on how the coaching culture in parts of Europe, particularly the East, can be incredibly severe.
“The environment in our countries is very tough — the coaches are brutal and rarely kind,” she explained. “That’s probably why our mentality is so strong, but that same approach has also broken many young players.”
Sabalenka contrasted this with what she described as the healthier environments found in Western Europe and the United States, suggesting a more balanced approach could benefit developing athletes.
Despite her dominant form, Sabalenka downplayed expectations of lifting the trophy in Paris, where she has never gone beyond the semi-finals. “Let’s leave the pressure on Iga [Swiatek]. She’s won it three times in a row. I’ll just let her have that,” she joked.
Anisimova, who beat Clara Tauson 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 to set up the fourth-round clash, has a 5-2 winning record against Sabalenka and famously knocked her out of the tournament in straight sets back in 2019. The 23-year-old American, who reached the semi-finals that year, said she relishes facing the world number one.
“She’s one of the best right now. I enjoy the fight and the challenge she brings,” Anisimova said.