Try GOLD - Free
The complete player against the one-time teen prodigy
The Straits Times
|January 25, 2025
Aryna Sabalenka, who can write her name into the tennis record books with a third consecutive Australian Open title on Jan 25, has become the complete player.
-
The 26-year-old Belarusian is a commanding presence on court, a far cry from the talented but mentally fragile player of her younger days.
A second Melbourne title in 2024, married with a first US Open crown, established her as the dominant force in the women's game.
She deposed five-time Slam champion Iga Swiatek at the top of the rankings and consolidated it this week by reaching another Major final, the fifth of her career.
Already the first woman to mount a successful title defence at Melbourne Park since compatriot Victoria Azarenka in 2013, she can etch her name among the greats by making it a hat-trick when she faces Madison Keys in the final.
This story is from the January 25, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
AMORIM PROUD OF STICKING TO BELIEFS
Red Devils boss 'learns a lot' during rough ride as EPL side begin to turn corner at last
3 mins
November 01, 2025
The Straits Times
A school team gave back a trophy.Here's why it matters
These are kids who understand integrity and a coach who remembers winning isn't quite everything. In the old days, we called this character.
3 mins
November 01, 2025
The Straits Times
How Singapore produce can win over price-conscious consumers
Local producers and retailers must better understand consumers' psyche.
4 mins
November 01, 2025
The Straits Times
SEA Games medallist jailed for drink driving, crashing into car
SEA Games squash gold medallist Vivian Rhamanan has been sentenced to two weeks' jail, after an incident where he had been drink driving and his vehicle collided with a car travelling on the opposite lane of a road in Sembawang.
2 mins
November 01, 2025
The Straits Times
Smart packs #5 with space, comfort and efficiency
Biggest model from Chinese-German brand offers longest range among cars of its size and performance
3 mins
November 01, 2025
The Straits Times
9 in 10 young women not taking active steps to protect breast health: Poll
Ms Jamie Ng was flourishing in her career in the fashion industry, with a degree under her belt and a stable job, when she found out three years ago that she had breast cancer.
3 mins
November 01, 2025
The Straits Times
The battle for New York
A fight is brewing between Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani.
4 mins
November 01, 2025
The Straits Times
JOURNALISM READY TO MAKE WORLD HEADLINES
Nov 1 Breeders' Cup Classic form analysis
1 mins
November 01, 2025
The Straits Times
Does the Singapore River need to change course to remain relevant?
Older generations value its role in the nation’s history and remember the area’s heyday as a nightlife hub. How can it better appeal to a younger crowd who may be going out less?
5 mins
November 01, 2025
The Straits Times
Grace Fu named among Time's 100 most influential climate leaders
Minister recognised for her efforts along with others including Pope Leo XIV
2 mins
November 01, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size