Sat Oct 12 08:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Sabalenka’s Explosive Forehand: A Biomechanics Masterclass
**Wuhan, China** – Aryna Sabalenka, reigning US Open champion, has revealed the secret behind her powerful forehand, a shot that averages 80 mph and surpasses even the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic.
The Belarusian star credits biomechanic coach Gavin MacMillan, who also famously helped her overcome a severe serving slump in 2022, for tweaking her already formidable groundstroke. Sabalenka explained that she was previously trying to rush her forehand, meeting the ball too early, which resulted in a loss of power and control. MacMillan’s adjustments involved a focus on waiting for the right moment to hit the ball, allowing for greater rotation and therefore more power and consistency.
MacMillan, in an interview with Performance-Plus Tennis, elaborated on the technical adjustments, emphasizing the importance of proper footwork and a more vertical racquet head position at contact. “With contact, she’s really gotten a lot better coming around the ball as opposed to driving it,” he explained.
Sabalenka has been a vocal advocate for prioritizing technical skills over mental coaching. “Are there mental challenges to tennis? Of course, there are. But if you don’t have the skills to execute shots, it doesn’t matter what your strategy is,” she affirmed, echoing MacMillan’s belief in the importance of mastering the fundamentals.
Her recent performance at the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open serves as evidence of this approach. Sabalenka, who currently holds the top spot in the PIF Race to the WTA Finals, has won 14 consecutive matches, highlighting the explosive results of her improved technique.
This renewed focus on biomechanics has cemented Sabalenka’s position as a consistent threat in the women’s tour. The world No. 1 is showing the world that with diligent work and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics, even the most powerful shots can be refined for greater consistency and impact.
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