Aryna Sabalenka on ‘Accept, Learn, and Move On’ Mantra, Swiatek’s Struggles, and Improving on Clay Courts

Aryna Sabalenka has emerged as one of the most mentally resilient players on the WTA circuit, and her mantra of “accept, learn, and move on” has been key to her recent success. For the Belarusian, handling the highs and lows of professional tennis is essential. Instead of dwelling on mistakes or setbacks, Sabalenka encourages herself to embrace the learning process and immediately focus on the next challenge. This mentality has proven effective, particularly as she continues to battle her way through the most demanding of surfaces — clay courts.

While Sabalenka is no stranger to her own struggles, she has spoken candidly about the current challenges faced by Iga Świątek, the world No. 1. Świątek has experienced difficulty maintaining her dominant form on clay this season, something that has puzzled both fans and analysts. Sabalenka, however, remains sympathetic, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of tennis. “Even the best players have phases where things don’t go as planned,” she says. Her advice? Continue refining the game, learning from every loss, and always moving forward.

Sabalenka’s own progress on clay courts is a testament to her growth. Known for her power, she has worked hard on improving her movement and shot selection on the slower surface. As the clay season intensifies, Sabalenka’s unwavering focus on resilience and improvement will be key to her potential success in major tournaments.