Tennis legend John McEnroe has praised Aryna Sabalenka, saying that the Belarusian star is “getting closer” to Serena Williams in terms of athleticism and power on the court. McEnroe, known for his candid commentary, compared Sabalenka’s explosive playing style to that of the iconic Williams, highlighting both players as two of the biggest hitters in women’s tennis.

“Sabalenka is getting closer to Serena’s athleticism levels,” McEnroe said, noting how Sabalenka’s powerful groundstrokes and aggressive play have made her one of the most formidable opponents in the sport. He added, “These are two of the biggest hitters we’ve seen in the game. When Sabalenka is on, she’s tough to stop.”

McEnroe’s comments come as Sabalenka continues to establish herself as one of the top players on the WTA Tour, with her combination of strength, speed, and precision drawing comparisons to the legendary Serena Williams, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in tennis history.

While McEnroe acknowledged that Sabalenka still has work to do to fully reach Williams’ level of dominance, especially given Williams’ 23 Grand Slam titles, he emphasized that Sabalenka’s progress and physicality make her a true contender in the modern game. Sabalenka’s rise in the sport has made her a fan favorite, and McEnroe’s high praise only further solidifies her reputation as one of the most powerful players on the tour today.