𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Seeing Aryna Sabalenka return serve in person when it’s working is something special. The ball is hit with such pace and to a location that makes the server most uncomfortable.

In Camila Osorio’s last service game, Sabalenka recorded a backhand winner down the line, a blazing forehand that landed at Osorio’s feet, and on break point, a backhand return that the Colombian couldn’t absorb. Osorio dumped her subsequent backhand in the net, putting Sabalenka up a double break in this first set.

This is why Osorio needs to hit her first serve to have any chance against Sabalenka. Right now that isn’t happening and Osorio is winning just 40 percent of second-serve points.