When Aryna Sabalenka stormed her way to the top of women’s tennis, the spotlight naturally fell on her explosive power and fiery personality. But behind every great champion stands a guiding influence, and for Sabalenka, that figure is Anton Dubrov. Once her hitting partner and now her trusted head coach, Dubrov has quietly played a pivotal role in shaping her into a Grand Slam champion and World No. 1. His journey from the practice courts of Belarus to the player’s box at major finals is a story of loyalty, resilience, and unshakable belief.
1. He’s From Belarus and Grew Up in Tennis
Anton Dubrov was born in Minsk, Belarus, in 1995. Like Sabalenka, he grew up in a country with a growing but relatively small tennis scene. Before coaching, he played the sport himself, though he never reached the professional heights of the ATP Tour. His early involvement in Belarusian tennis gave him an intimate understanding of the local system and the mentality of players like Sabalenka, who would later rise to global prominence.
His Belarusian roots are significant because they created an instant cultural and personal bond with Sabalenka. That shared background has helped him build the trust and communication necessary for a successful player-coach relationship.
2. He Started as Sabalenka’s Hitting Partner
Before taking the reins as her full-time coach, Dubrov was originally Sabalenka’s hitting partner. This behind-the-scenes role meant he already knew her game inside out—her strengths, her struggles, and her personality on and off the court. When he transitioned into the head coach position in 2020, it was a natural progression rather than a sudden change.
That history has been invaluable. Because he was already familiar with her tendencies, Dubrov didn’t need to overhaul her game. Instead, he could refine it, helping her balance her power with consistency and composure.
3. He Guided Sabalenka to Multiple Grand Slams & World No. 1
Under Dubrov’s leadership, Sabalenka reached the pinnacle of women’s tennis. With him in her corner, she captured her first Grand Slam singles title at the 2023 Australian Open. She followed it up with another Australian Open victory in 2024 and a breakthrough U.S. Open title the same year. Those wins propelled her to the World No. 1 ranking, making her one of the most dominant players on tour.
His coaching style emphasizes gradual improvement and mental resilience. After a landmark win over Iga Świątek in 2025, Dubrov even reminded the media that “the work isn’t finished yet,” showing his focus on sustained progress rather than short-lived celebration.
4. He Nearly Quit During Her Serving Struggles
In 2022, Sabalenka went through a notorious slump with her serve, committing high numbers of double faults that cost her matches. During this stretch, Dubrov reportedly offered to resign, feeling responsible for her struggles. However, Sabalenka refused to let him go, insisting she trusted him to help her work through the problem.
This episode showed the strength of their relationship. Instead of fracturing under pressure, coach and player grew even closer. It also highlighted Dubrov’s humility and honesty–qualities that have earned him Sabalenka’s lasting loyalty.
5. He’s More Than Just a Coach
For Sabalenka, Dubrov is not only a tactical guide but also a steady emotional presence. He can often be seen in her player’s box during big matches, providing calm encouragement in high-pressure situations. Their partnership is built on mutual respect, and Sabalenka has credited him with helping her find confidence and stability on and off the court.
While he doesn’t seek the spotlight, Dubrov’s influence is undeniable. His journey from local Belarusian player to the coach of a world champion underscores the power of trust, loyalty, and shared vision in sports.
Anton Dubrov, Aryna Sabalenka’s Coach: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know