Although Iga Świątek ended 2022 as the unanimous world No. 1, former British player Tim Henman believes Aryna Sabalenka will enter the Australian Open as the woman to beat.
On the back of claiming the Adelaide International title last week, Henman touted Sabalenka’s irresistible form and aggressive game style as a dangerous combination in Melbourne.
“She is absolutely the form player heading into the Australian Open,” Henman declared. “Iga Świątek deserves to be ranked No. 1 and is still incredibly tough to beat. But if Sabalenka can replicate the sheer power and precision she showed in Adelaide then I don’t see anyone that can live with her.”
Sabalenka finished last season ranked fifth in the world on the back of three titles. While she endured serving wobbles earlier in her career, the Belarusian’s delivery was rock solid throughout her warm-up event Down Under.
She did not face a single break point all week, highlighting vastly improved technique and consistency. Combining that formidable serve with her blistering groundstrokes, Henman believes Sabalenka has become a complete force on tour.
“We’ve always marveled at the way she can just hit opponents off the court when she’s on,” said Henman. “Now that she has conquered those serving demons and sharpened up other areas, she’s got the entire arsenal to beat anyone.”
As a new era for women’s tennis dawns in 2023, Aryna Sabalenka looks primed to claim her maiden Grand Slam title according to the former world No. 4 Henman. “For me, she is definitely the one to watch in Melbourne,” he stated emphatically.
