John McEnroe says Aryna Sabalenka 'getting closer' to Serena Williams athleticism levels - 'Two of the biggest hitters'
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Published 07/09/2024 at 09:01 GMT+1
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Aryna Sabalenka powered into the US Open final on Thursday and is now just one win away from claiming her third major title. Eurosport expert John McEnroe believes the Belarusian is "one of the biggest hitters to ever play" in the women's game alongside all-time great Serena Williams, and he thinks the world No. 2 is "getting closer" to matching the 23-time major winner's levels of athleticism.
'Just focus on yourself' - Sabalenka highlights key to semi-final win over Navarro
Video credit: SNTV
US Open finalist Aryna Sabalenka is “getting closer” to matching the athleticism of all-time great Serena Williams, according to John McEnroe, who has been impressed with how the world No. 2 has “maximised” her potential.
Sabalenka roared into her second Grand Slam final of the year and second US Open final in a row at Flushing Meadows on Thursday with a straight-sets win over Emma Navarro.
The 26-year-old is aiming to win her third major title and first outside of Australia when she faces New York native and first-time Slam finalist Jessica Pegula for the title on Saturday.
Sabalenka’s raw power has been a big feature of her run in New York, and Eurosport expert McEnroe considered a comparison between the physical qualities of the Belarusian and 23-time major winner Williams.
“Those are two of the biggest hitters that ever played in the women’s game,” McEnroe said.
“I think Sabalenka has really improved her movement, but I don’t think, both at their best, that she is as athletic as Serena. But she is getting closer.
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Highlights: Sabalenka and Pegula battle through to set up US Open final
Video credit: SNTV
“I have a lot of respect for her because she has really maximised what she can do on the court and that’s why she is finally winning majors and contending in almost every major.
“She’s the favourite to win it at this point.”
Gauff struggling with 'pressure of expectation'
Sabalenka fell at the final hurdle last year in New York to home favourite Coco Gauff, but the American’s title defence came to a surprisingly early end in 2024.
Gauff, the world No. 3, exited in the third round to Navarro to ensure she would end the season without any success at Grand Slam events.
The 20-year-old's 2023 New York triumph was a breakthrough moment as her first major title, but runs to the semi-finals in Australia and Paris this year were followed by a last 16 exit at Wimbledon before her even earlier defeat at Flushing Meadows.
Fellow American McEnroe explained why the focus on Gauff, who became a breakout star on the big stage aged just 15, could be getting to her.
“She's still having issues with her serve, she's still having issues with her forehand. She seems to be more outwardly frustrated on the court and venting more,” McEnroe said.
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Video credit: SNTV
“I guess that's just the pressure of expectation. Because people are like: ‘Just follow in the footsteps of Serena Williams.’
“You're like: ‘Oh really? That will be easy.’ There is a lot being asked (of her).
“I noticed she's been on a fair amount of commercials and stuff too. I don't know exactly how much she's done, but they’ve got to balance that with giving her time to work on her game and feel super confident again, which you can tell she's not feeling right now.”
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