Days after ‘failure’ criticism from Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs, Aryna Sabalenka receives unexpected support from Jimmy Connors

Days after ‘failure’ criticism from Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs, Aryna Sabalenka receives unexpected support from Jimmy Connors

Aryna Sabalenka has spent the entire 2025 season under a magnifying glass. As the World No. 1, every victory, every defeat and every emotional moment has drawn massive attention from fans, experts and former players. The scrutiny only intensified recently when former Serena Williams coach Rennae Stubbs delivered a harsh verdict on Sabalenka’s year, calling it “a little bit of a failure.”

Days after that criticism, tennis legend Jimmy Connors stepped forward with a very different perspective. In a refreshing and unexpected show of support, the American great defended Sabalenka’s remarkable season and rejected the idea that she had fallen short.

Sabalenka’s 2025 campaign has been a dramatic mix of soaring triumphs and painful near-misses. She lifted the US Open trophy, added three more titles to her collection and reached finals at two other Majors. She ended the year as runner-up at the WTA Finals, showing week after week why she is one of the most dominant players in the sport. Still, the two lost Grand Slam finals overshadowed her achievements for some observers.

Rennae Stubbs, speaking about Sabalenka’s season, argued that winning only one Major after such consistent performance was not enough for someone of her caliber. She believed Sabalenka herself would view the year as short of her potential. Her comments gained traction quickly, sparking debate across the tennis community. Some agreed. Many disagreed. But the conversation kept growing.

It was in this atmosphere that Jimmy Connors addressed the topic on his podcast, Advantage Connors. Instead of echoing the criticism, the eight-time Major winner offered a thoughtful counterargument. Connors insisted that making deep runs at big tournaments is not a guarantee of victory. Tennis, he explained, is a battle where both players are chasing the same prize, and even the best athletes can have off days at the worst moments.

Connors reminded listeners that being in finals repeatedly is itself a sign of greatness. He emphasized the difficulty of staying mentally sharp match after match, especially when the pressure is highest. He also noted that opponents raise their levels dramatically when facing a world number one, making Sabalenka’s consistency even more impressive.

The American legend went further, suggesting that Sabalenka’s heartbreaks in 2025 might actually become the fuel she needs for future success. He believes that players learn the most from losses and that the sting of missed opportunities could drive her to an even higher level in the coming seasons.

According to Connors, Sabalenka will likely look back on 2025 and see both the strengths and the flaws. With nine finals, four titles and a 63-12 win-loss record, she achieved more than most players dream of. Yet she will also recognize how close she came to an “exceptionally great” season, as Connors phrased it. That realization, he believes, will harden her resolve rather than break her spirit.

Sabalenka’s year-end statistics support Connors’ optimism. She remained world number one from start to finish, defended her position for a second straight year and reached more finals than any other player on tour. Her powerful baseline game and improved mental discipline proved that she belongs at the top of the sport.

Despite the intense pressure surrounding her, Sabalenka is already looking ahead. She has committed to opening her 2026 campaign at the Brisbane International, a tournament where she is the defending champion. She defeated Polina Kudermetova in last year’s final and previously reached the Brisbane final in 2024, losing to Elena Rybakina.

After Brisbane, she will set her sights on Melbourne and the Australian Open. Sabalenka won the title in 2023 and 2024, and narrowly missed the three-peat in 2025 when she fell to Madison Keys in the final. A fourth consecutive appearance in the championship match would make history, placing her alongside Martina Hingis, who made six straight finals between 1997 and 2002.

As the new season approaches, Sabalenka stands at an intriguing crossroads. While critics debate the meaning of her 2025 results, legends like Jimmy Connors see a champion on the rise, not a player in decline. With motivation running high and the hunger for more success burning strong, the Belarusian star appears ready for yet another defining chapter in her career.