Story by
Caroline Wozniacki Defends Aryna Sabalenka's Grand Slam Performance Amid Criticism
- Story by
- Caroline Wozniacki Defends Aryna Sabalenka's Grand Slam Performance Amid Criticism
Aryna Sabalenka has been the most consistent player in women's tennis and is in the top spot in the WTA rankings since overtaking Iga Swiatek in October 2024.
It is surprising, though, that the 28-year-old has won just one of the last seven Grand Slam titles since securing her third major at the 2024 US Open.
Advertisement
Sabalenka has faced some criticism over her results at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. However, former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki came to her defense
In an interview with Tennis365 , Wozniacki explained that she doesn't believe Sabalenka's recent Grand Slam losses are due to her mentality, highlighting that the Belarusian is under immense pressure.
The 36-year-old said, "We expect (Sabalenka) to just get to the finals easily every week and win everything, but she's human."
Advertisement
Sabalenka's frustrating Grand Slam season prompted tennis legend Jimmy Connors to say that the world No. 1 is "going to have to start proving herself."
Wozniacki pointed out how people are constantly trying to catch up with Sabalenka.
"There's a lot of players out there who are working hard every day, who are following her and seeing every single movement she makes on court," Wozniacki said. "It's difficult. As humans, we will go up and down a little bit. And you've got to give credit where credit is due."
Advertisement
Following her Wimbledon disappointment, Sabalenka traveled to Mykonos for a vacation .
The Great Dane hopes the time away from the court will help Sabalenka reset and return recharged. Wozniacki further added, "I have no doubt that we'll see her back on the hard-court swing fit to fight and fully ready to win."
Sabalenka is scheduled to return at the Toronto WTA 1000 tournament, which begins on August 2.
Aryna Sabalenka's 2026 Grand Slam Campaign So Far
Aryna Sabalenka walks off the court after losing to Naomi Osaka in the fourth round of The Championships Wimbledon 2026.Robert Prange/Getty Images
At the Australian Open final this year, Sabalenka lost her rhythm despite being 3-0 up in the third set against Elena Rybakina. After winning the Miami Open in March, Sabalenka has managed just one semifinal, suffering a third-set bagel against Jessica Pegula in the Berlin Open.
Advertisement
At Roland Garros, Sabalenka beat Naomi Osaka in the third round but suffered a shocking quarterfinal loss to 25th seed Diana Shnaider. Attempting to win her first Grand Slam outside hard courts, Sabalenka suffered a 6-2, 7-6 fourth-round defeat to Osaka at Wimbledon.
The Belarusian, known for her return, managed just two break points against Osaka's serve, neither of which she converted. The top seed lost in the second set in the tiebreaker, which snapped her 21-tiebreaker win streak at Slams.
With the US Open now her last opportunity to win a major in 2026, Sabalenka could have a chance to avenge that loss if she meets Osaka again in New York.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the Tennis section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
