New Delhi, June 18 -- Aryna Sabalenka's rise to the top of women's tennis has been defined by power, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of success. Yet, according to her longtime coach Anton Dubrov, the Belarusian superstar came remarkably close to abandoning the sport altogether before transforming herself into one of the most dominant players on the WTA Tour.

The revelation has offered a rare glimpse into the personal and professional struggles Sabalenka endured before becoming the world No. 1 and a multiple Grand Slam champion. While fans today see a confident athlete capable of overpowering opponents on the biggest stages, Dubrov has disclosed that there was a period when uncertainty and fear threatened to derail her career.

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