Who is Aryna Sabalenka’s coach? How Anton Dubrov helped shape a Grand Slam champion

Few stories in modern tennis have given the public more of a reason to tune in than the ascent of Aryna Sabalenka to the top of the women’s game. The Belarusian has evolved into one of the most formidable players on the tour, demonstrated by her elite level of explosive power, grit, and competitiveness. And guiding that evolution is a coach who, while not always in the spotlight, has helped define her success: Anton Dubrov.Sabalenka has won trophies and been the no. 1 player in the world, while Dubrov toils in the shadows. He started as a hitting partner and went on to help her build her Grand Slam career, all trusting the process, together, knowing the secret to success is not short-term but delivery over the long-term.The way Anton Dubrov came into Sabalenka's life was actually an unusual one. Dubrov, a former professional in Belarus, started as a hitting partner and progressed to coaching. Their partnership started in 2020 when Sabalenka was known for her big game but also her inconsistencies and the difficulties of keeping her emotions under control during matches.The two of them developed a strong working relationship, despite early scepticism from external observers. Dubrov also focused a lot on decision-making with Sabalenka, getting her to move more and deal with pressure better when she played matches. The toughest moments have arguably come in recent years, in particular during 2022, when Sabalenka faced dire serving problems that threatened to derail her career. For Dubrov, just being there and the minor tweaks she made were pivotal to Reiss getting her confidence back.It was only at the Australian Open 2023, when Sabalenka won her first Grand Slam singles title, that the real effect of Dubrov's coaching became visible. It was a pivotal win, demonstrating how she could marry power with calm on the biggest stage. She then won a second Australian Open and later added US Open titles to establish herself as one of the sport's greats.One of the basic principles of Dubrov is combining mental preparation with physical preparation. He challenges Sabalenka to play aggressively but also to keep her emotions in check, an equilibrium that has allowed her to outlast opponents without imploding at crunch time. Their working relationship isn't so much a matter of strict hierarchy as it is just trusting each other and staying in constant communication.