Aryna Sabalenka gets honest about major change she has added to her game for 2025

Aryna Sabalenka has gotten her 2025 season off to a flying start. She has scored four straight-sets wins at the Brisbane International to make it to the summit clash.

The Belarusian, otherwise known for her raw power and big groundstrokes, has shown more variety in her game than usual. She is often seen mixing in slices and dropshots, often bamboozling opponents.

On being asked about the new facet of her game post her semifinal win over Mirra Andreeva, Sabalenka stressed upon the need to have a “Plan B”. She spoke about the conscious effort of trying to expand her artillery for days when her usual power hitting in not yielding the desired results.

"That's 100% great to have the variety in your game," Aryna Sabalenka said. "Whenever you have to switch to Plan B, you have something to play with."

"I really believe and I really think having those tricky shots, that slice, changing the rhythm, it's going to really bring a lot of benefits to my game. Facing someone who is really aggressive, but who can have a great touch, it can be frustrating," she added.

The World No. 1 also spoke about the importance of always looking to improve upon things. She circled back to the new additions to her game, saying she has high hopes for the future.

"There is always something to improve," Aryna Sabalenka said. "I'm always hoping for new things. So far they're not really working really well, but I really believe they're going to work well in the future."

Sabalenka has taken out a series of strong counterpunchers this week, starting with Renata Zarazua. She followed it up with big wins over Yulia Putintseva, Marie Bouzkova and Andreeva.

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Aryna Sabalenka to take on Polina Kudermetova in Brisbane final

Aryna Sabalenka had lost the Brisbane final last year. (Source: Getty)

Aryna Sabalenka had lost the Brisbane International final last year, falling in straight sets against Elena Rybakina. Looking ahead at the summit clash 12 months on, she is more positive about her prospects.

Speaking at her post-match press conference, the Belarusian said she has grown a lot as a player in the last one year and is much stronger both physically and mentally.

"I definitely think that I improved a lot mentally, physically and skills, as well," Aryna Sabalenka said. "I think every year I'm getting little bit better, little bit better."

"It's about those little bit percentage, getting better. Mentally and physically I'm definitely stronger than I was last year," he added.

Sabalenka and Polina Kudermetova have never crossed paths on the Tour before, so their current head-to-head stands at a 0-0 deadlock. They will take to court for the summit clash on Sunday.