“We have the figures, we know what would be the best percentage, but how does she feel?”

In Arynei Sabalenka's Lodge there is a person who spends almost all the time on a tablet for two years. It is called Shane Liyanage and has a company, the Data Drive Sports Analytics, which offers an extensive range of personalized analysis data and services.

Ever since he entered the team of the WTA leader, his contribution saw quickly, Sabalenka managing to win her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open 2023. Also, a part of her game was corrected: in 2022 she had made more than 300 double mistakes in the first 37 matches played!

Before the final of Roland Garros 2025, Aryna's coach, Anton Dubrov, explained in what way and the information provided by Liyanage to model and improve the game.

“We were lucky to find the guy, I think that while I was in Australia. Jason gave me Shane's contact,” Dubrov said, bringing the physical trainer Jason Stacy.

Anton Dubrov: “You can't enter the field and say,” Okay, ready, now I will do something else “”

“I would say that we use this information more about ourselves, because for me it is very important to focus on how we can develop, what we can do better, how we play. We can see how we play, how we turn the ball, where our targets are, how actually works against the opponents, against someone, to say, of a left -handed opponent“, He developed in a press conference at Roland Garros, using the plural about the game, as in a team.

“It is much easier for you to train, because, for me, the most important part, the real match, you have to do it exactly as in training. So, whatever you do, you can't enter the field and say, “Okay, ready, I'll do something else now.” You have to be prepared for the match. You have to practice. You have to visualize before, and those numbers really help us“He continued.

Arynei Sabalenka team: Andrei Vasilevski, Jason Stacy, Anton Dubrov, on the top row, to the right Shane Liyanage Photo: Guliver/Gettyimages

“You look at a lot of videos. You can see some matches of her, and these numbers can confirm or may not. It is much easier to practice and be prepared,” says Dubrov, who has known Sabalenka since she was 14 years old.

“All the other preparations for the match help you, but it is not the most important part. The most important part for us is to see what Aryna is doing,” he added.

5Grand Slam finals had Aryna Sabalenka in the career before the Roland Garros 2025: 3 won – Australian Open 2023, 2024, US Open 2024 – and two lost – US Open 2023, Australian Open 2025

Jason Stacy: “We know the figures, then add the human side”

Jason Stacy, the physical trainer, details how the information related to the numbers is used. “I think one thing Anton did very well was to filter this information, because sometimes people get too blocked on data or statistics and numbers and percentages. He is very good to take the information and figure out what we need now, what will be most relevant to Aryna at this time“Stacy said.

“Then we add the human side. So we have the figures. We know what the best percentage is, but how does it feel? Maybe there is a chance that this is what to do, but she doesn't feel it now. So he has to find a way,” Stacy believes.

Aryna Sabalenka after victory in round 3 at Roland Garros 2025 Photo: Guliver/Gettyimages

“Usually, people see numbers and can only imagine one player, but you have to understand that it will be a different workout for IGA, respectively for Aryna. The figures will be about the same, but the training will be different. So you need to understand the person you work with and what to use to help”, Concluded Dubrov.