In the modern era of tennis, three names stand tall—Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. Each has carved out an iconic legacy, boasting multiple Grand Slam titles, jaw-dropping records, and a fiercely loyal global fanbase. But when World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka was asked to pick the greatest among the legendary trio, she didn’t hesitate with her answer.
Sabalenka, currently the dominant force on the women’s circuit, has risen to prominence with her sheer power, mental fortitude, and commanding performances—especially on hard courts. Her rise to the top has coincided with a shifting landscape in women’s tennis. With former No. 1 Iga Swiatek struggling to maintain consistency, Sabalenka has taken full advantage, asserting her dominance and securing her position at the summit of the WTA rankings.
Born on May 5, 1998, in Minsk, Belarus, Sabalenka turned professional in 2015. She claimed her first WTA title three years later at the Connecticut Open in New Haven. The following seasons saw her steadily add to her trophy cabinet, picking up three titles each in 2019 and 2020. However, it was in 2023 that Sabalenka experienced her true breakthrough—winning her maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
Not content with just one major victory, Sabalenka followed up in 2024 with another Australian Open title, a prestigious WTA 1000 win in Cincinnati, and an emphatic run at the US Open that culminated in her lifting the trophy. These achievements not only boosted her ranking but firmly established her as the player to beat.
Continuing her dominant form into 2025, Sabalenka has already claimed significant victories at both the Miami Open and the Madrid Open. Her consistency and power-based style, particularly effective on hard courts, make her a formidable opponent on the tour. Despite her incredible success, clay remains a surface where she’s yet to truly shine. With Roland Garros and Wimbledon still missing from her trophy collection, these two majors are now firmly in her crosshairs.
As Sabalenka focuses on completing her Grand Slam set, her recognition of tennis greatness on the men’s side adds an intriguing perspective. While she didn’t publicly elaborate on her choice between Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal, her clear and immediate response is telling—it reveals the level of respect and admiration current top players have for the enduring greatness of Novak Djokovic, a player still pushing boundaries well into his 30s.
Whether you agree with Sabalenka’s choice or not, it’s clear that she, like many tennis fans around the world, recognizes that greatness is defined not just by trophies, but by impact, longevity, and the ability to evolve in an ever-changing sport.