dam
Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open 2025 campaign is off to a roaring start, but instead of soaking in the spotlight for herself after her latest victory, the Belarusian powerhouse turned the attention to someone else: her longtime mentor and countryman, Max Mirnyi.
Following a convincing win on the hard courts of New York, Sabalenka was quick to credit the former doubles legend for shaping her career both on and off the court. “Max has been such an inspiration for me,” she said in her post-match interview. “From the way he carried himself as a professional to how he handled pressure, I’ve learned so much. Every time I step out here, a part of his influence is with me.”
For those unfamiliar, Mirnyi—nicknamed “The Beast of Belarus”—was once one of the most feared doubles specialists in the game, capturing ten Grand Slam titles and reaching the world No. 1 doubles ranking. His reputation for discipline and resilience clearly rubbed off on Sabalenka, who has crafted her own identity as one of the fiercest competitors on the WTA Tour.
Her victory in New York was classic Sabalenka: heavy groundstrokes, fearless serving, and an intensity that left her opponent little room to breathe. Yet beyond the scoreline, what stood out was her humility and recognition of the legacy she carries for Belarusian tennis. By tying her success to Mirnyi’s mentorship, Sabalenka underscored that champions are never built alone—they’re molded by those who paved the way.
The praise also adds another layer to Sabalenka’s ongoing story at the US Open. Having reached the latter stages in previous years, she’s gunning for a deep run in 2025. With her power game peaking and her mindset sharp, fans and pundits alike are already tipping her as a title favorite.
But in typical Sabalenka fashion, she isn’t just playing for herself—she’s playing for her country, her team, and for the tennis legacy of Belarus. As she marches forward in Flushing Meadows, one thing is clear: Aryna Sabalenka may be the present of women’s tennis, but she never forgets the shoulders she stands on. And Max Mirnyi, it seems, remains one of the strongest pillars beneath her rise.
New York has heard her roar before, but this year, it’s echoing louder—and with Mirnyi’s spirit behind her, Aryna looks more dangerous than ever.
Musa
dam
