Aryna Sabalenka has made a number of significant changes to her team in the last few weeks.
The Belarusian recently began working with a sports psychologist, joining the likes of Iga Swiatek in utilising the skillset of those from the profession.
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As reported by Ben Rothenberg, Sabalenka parted ways with coach Max Mirnyi shortly before the 2026 WTA Finals.
Mirnyi, a 10-time Grand Slam champion across doubles and mixed doubles, was hired primarily to improve Sabalenka’s net game.
After defeating Karolina Muchova on Monday, Sabalenka commented on Mirnyi’s absence from her team in Indian Wells, California.
Aryna Sabalenka discusses the impact of Max Mirnyi
“He is not here at Indian Wells with us but Max has always been a great supporter,” Sabalenka said, following a question from Christian’s Court.
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
“He would always message and give his advice, and yeah, having someone who was, I feel like, almost invisible or really number one in doubles, to help me with that net approach, it’s really important.
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“He’d been mostly focusing on my game at the net and we’re trying to improve that.”
Mirnyi joined Sabalenka’s coaching team in August 2025 and aided the Belarusian in winning multiple high-profile WTA events.
With Mirnyi on her team, Sabalenka won the 2025 US Open, 2026 Indian Wells and the 2026 Miami Open. The 28-year-old also reached the finals of the 2025 WTA Finals, 2026 Australian Open and the 2026 US Open.
|
Tournament |
Opponent in final |
Result |
|
2023 Australian Open |
Elena Rybakina |
won 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 |
|
2023 US Open |
Coco Gauff |
lost 6-2, 3-6, 2-6 |
|
2024 Australian Open |
Qinwen Zheng |
won 6-3, 6-2 |
|
2024 US Open |
Jessica Pegula |
won 7-5, 7-5 |
|
2025 Australian Open |
Madison Keys |
lost 3-6, 6-2, 5-7 |
|
2025 Roland Garros |
Coco Gauff |
lost 7-6, 2-6, 4-6 |
|
2025 US Open |
Amanda Anisimova |
won 6-3, 7-6 |
|
2026 Australian Open |
Elena Rybakina |
lost 4-6, 6-4, 4-6 |
|
2026 US Open |
Elena Rybakina |
lost 4-6, 7-5, 2-6 |
Aryna Sabalenka’s Grand Slam finals
Following Mirnyi’s departure, Sabalenka’s team consists of coach Anton Dubrov and fitness coach Jason Stacy.
Who will Aryna Sabalenka play next at the WTA Finals?
Sabalenka began her 2026 WTA Finals with victory, beating Karolina Muchova 7-6, 7-5 on Monday.
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The Belarusian will play Mirra Andreeva next. Andreeva, the third seed in California, defeated Sabalenka in their last match in the 2025 Indian Wells final.
However, Sabalenka should certainly take great confidence into Wednesday’s contest. After all, she has a 4-2 record against the Russian youngster.
Andreeva, who has expressed a desire to compete against Sabalenka at the event, defeated Elina Svitolina on Monday.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
