Chris Evert Surprised as Aryna Sabalenka Leads US Open 2024 Forehand Speed Stats, Beating Alcaraz, Sinner, and Djokovic
At the 2024 US Open, a stat that has caught everyone’s attention— including tennis legend Chris Evert— is Aryna Sabalenka’s blistering forehand speed. In a tournament dominated by the world’s top men’s players, Sabalenka has outshone them all when it comes to raw power, especially in her topspin forehand speed, which averages a staggering 129 km/h. This puts her ahead of notable names like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic, the three top male contenders of the tournament.
Sabalenka’s reputation has always been built on her aggressive and bold playing style, relying on powerful groundstrokes and high-risk, high-reward shots. Her performance at the 2024 US Open has been a testament to this style, culminating in her second consecutive US Open final. She has managed to triumph over a variety of formidable opponents, including Priscilla Hon, Lucia Bronzetti, Ekaterina Alexandrova, Elise Mertens, and Zheng Qinwen, before sealing her spot in the final with a straight-sets victory against home favorite Emma Navarro on September 5.
Throughout her journey to the final, Sabalenka has lost just one set, and her forehand has been the central weapon in her arsenal. The fact that she now boasts the fastest forehand speed at this year’s US Open is remarkable in itself, especially when compared to some of the most elite male players in the world.
Outpacing the Top Men: Sinner, Alcaraz, Djokovic
Sabalenka’s average forehand speed of 129 km/h doesn’t just stand out in the women’s division; it surpasses the top men’s players as well. Jannik Sinner, renowned for his clean ball-striking and powerful baseline game, clocked an average of 126 km/h on his forehand. Sinner’s ability to consistently deliver high-velocity groundstrokes has been one of the defining traits of his rise to the top echelon of men’s tennis. However, Sabalenka has still managed to outpace him.
Carlos Alcaraz, who has quickly become one of the most exciting young stars in tennis, registered an average forehand speed of 127 km/h during his run at the tournament. Though he exited earlier than expected, falling in the second round, Alcaraz’s athleticism and shot-making continue to impress fans and analysts alike.
Even Novak Djokovic, arguably one of the greatest tennis players in history, averaged 122 km/h on his forehand over his first three matches. Djokovic, a master tactician with a reputation for precision and consistency, is not typically known for having the fastest shots but more for placing them in just the right spots. However, the fact that Sabalenka has outpaced a player of his caliber adds an extra layer of intrigue to this statistical revelation.
Chris Evert’s Reaction: A Moment of Surprise
The forehand speed statistic didn’t go unnoticed by tennis great Chris Evert, who took to social media to express her surprise. The 18-time Grand Slam champion, who has witnessed countless powerful players throughout her career, was genuinely impressed by Sabalenka’s feat. Evert’s reaction summed up the general amazement shared by fans and pundits alike.
“Wait, what?” Evert commented, accompanied by clapping and flexed muscle emojis. Her light-hearted response reflected the broader tennis community’s admiration for Sabalenka’s extraordinary hitting ability.
Sabalenka herself, however, seemed slightly taken aback by her dominance in this metric. In a candid and humorous post-match interview, she expressed disbelief at leading the forehand speed rankings, especially ahead of the men.
Sabalenka’s Humble Response: “I Feel Uncomfortable Being on Top”
After securing her place in the quarterfinals, Sabalenka was in conversation with Jannik Sinner’s coach, Darren Cahill, where the forehand speed statistic came up. The Belarusian star admitted that even she found it hard to believe.
“Yeah, I saw my stats on my forehand, and I actually can’t believe it’s that fast,” Sabalenka said. “And I feel even kind of uncomfortable being on the top and even hitting it harder than the guys.” Her laughter during the interview underscored her own surprise, but also the fact that the stat was more than just a numerical anomaly—it is a testament to the level of physicality she brings to her game.
Despite her humility, Sabalenka will undoubtedly be looking to leverage her powerful forehand as she prepares for the final against American star Jessica Pegula. With a strong chance to claim her third Grand Slam title, Sabalenka’s powerful groundstrokes will be one of the key factors to watch.
Path to the Final: Sabalenka’s Dominant Run
Throughout the tournament, Sabalenka has exhibited the kind of form that suggests she could very well take home the title. Starting with her early victories over Hon, Bronzetti, and Alexandrova, Sabalenka showcased her aggressive baseline game, giving her opponents little room to breathe. Her powerful serve, aggressive returns, and consistent forehand speed left her adversaries struggling to keep up.
Her victory over Mertens and, most notably, her semifinal win against Emma Navarro, further cemented her status as the player to beat. Sabalenka’s form in New York has been almost impeccable, and she enters the final with just one set lost.
Facing Pegula in the final, Sabalenka will look to avenge her 2023 defeat at the hands of Coco Gauff. Both players are known for their aggressive styles and consistent shot-making, and the 2024 final promises to be an exciting showdown. However, if Sabalenka continues to fire forehands at an average of 129 km/h, she will have a potent weapon capable of overwhelming even the most formidable opposition.
Final Thoughts: Forehand Speed as a Symbol of Sabalenka’s Power
The statistic that places Aryna Sabalenka at the top of the forehand speed rankings is more than just a curiosity. It is a symbol of her growing dominance in women’s tennis, highlighting her ability to compete with and, in some cases, surpass the most powerful players on the men’s side. As she looks ahead to the final, Sabalenka will hope to ride the momentum of her historic stat to her third Grand Slam title.
Whether she feels “uncomfortable” or not, Sabalenka’s forehand speed is now a key storyline in the 2024 US Open, and one that may just carry her to victory on the biggest stage.
