Aryna Sabalenka has revealed that a heart-rate issue during her well-documented serve troubles made her want to walk away from tennis, according to Tennis World USA.
The world number one spoke about the difficult period when her serve broke down, saying the physical reaction she experienced pushed her to the brink of quitting the sport. Tennis World USA reports that Sabalenka recalled the moment in detail, describing how her heart rate spiked during matches and left her feeling unable to continue.
Sabalenka’s serve crisis was one of the most talked-about stories in women’s tennis over the past two seasons. The Belarusian struggled with a high number of double faults, a problem that seemed to worsen under pressure. At times, her toss became erratic, and her confidence on the biggest points appeared to desert her.
The issue was not just technical, Sabalenka explained. The physical toll it took on her body, particularly the elevated heart rate, made her question whether she wanted to keep playing at all. Tennis World USA’s report highlights that the emotional and physiological strain was severe enough that she considered ending her career.
Sabalenka has since rebuilt her serve and returned to the top of the game, winning multiple Grand Slam titles. Her willingness to discuss the darker moments of that period offers a rare glimpse into the mental challenges elite players face.
What to watch next: Sabalenka’s next tournament appearance will show whether her rebuilt serve holds up under the pressure of a Grand Slam final.
