Winning a Grand Slam title is the pinnacle of any tennis player’s career, but capturing two in a single year on the hard courts of the Australian Open and the US Open is a rare and remarkable achievement. Only four women in the history of tennis have managed to complete this prestigious double. As the 2024 US Open approaches, the question on everyone’s mind is: Can Aryna Sabalenka become the fifth woman to join this elite club?
The Elite Four
Before diving into Sabalenka’s chances, let’s take a look at the four women who have achieved the Australian Open-US Open double:
- Steffi Graf (1988, 1989, 1993)
- The German legend was the first to accomplish this feat, and she did it not just once but three times. Graf’s dominance on hard courts was a key part of her incredible career, which includes 22 Grand Slam singles titles.
- Monica Seles (1991, 1992)
- Seles was a force to be reckoned with in the early ’90s. Her aggressive baseline play and powerful groundstrokes helped her secure the Australian Open-US Open double twice in consecutive years, establishing her as one of the greatest players of her time.
- Martina Hingis (1997)
- The Swiss Miss, known for her tactical brilliance and finesse, completed the double in 1997 at the age of just 16. Hingis’ ability to outthink her opponents on the hard courts was a hallmark of her early success.
- Serena Williams (2002, 2008, 2012)
- Arguably the greatest player of all time, Serena Williams accomplished the double three times during her illustrious career. Known for her power, mental toughness, and unparalleled serve, Serena’s dominance on hard courts is the stuff of legend.
Aryna Sabalenka: The Contender
Aryna Sabalenka, currently one of the most formidable players on the WTA Tour, has all the tools to become the fifth woman to achieve this incredible double. After securing her first Australian Open title earlier this year, the Belarusian powerhouse has her sights set on the US Open.
Sabalenka’s game is built for hard courts. Her explosive power, relentless aggression, and improved mental fortitude make her a nightmare for opponents. This year, she has shown remarkable consistency, and her performance at the Australian Open demonstrated her ability to stay composed in the most pressure-packed moments.
However, the US Open is a different beast. The intense atmosphere of Flushing Meadows, the pressure of expectation, and the challenges posed by a stacked field of competitors mean that Sabalenka will need to be at her absolute best to complete the double.
The Challenges Ahead
Several factors could stand in Sabalenka’s way. The unpredictability of the US Open draw, the physical toll of the long season, and the presence of other top contenders like Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff are significant hurdles. Moreover, the pressure of trying to complete the double could weigh heavily on her shoulders, especially as the tournament progresses.
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Sabalenka, it’s that she thrives in challenging situations. Her resilience and determination have already propelled her to great heights this year, and with her powerful game, she has every chance to make history in New York.
Conclusion: Will She Join the Elite?
As the US Open approaches, all eyes will be on Aryna Sabalenka to see if she can etch her name alongside legends like Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, Martina Hingis, and Serena Williams. If she can harness her strengths, stay mentally tough, and navigate the challenges ahead, Sabalenka has a real shot at becoming the fifth woman to complete the Australian Open-US Open hard court double—a feat that would solidify her status as one of the greats of the game.