Anastasia Potapova doesn’t just hit the ball hard.
She hits it with purpose, belief, and fearless intent.
That’s exactly why more tennis fans are starting to whisper the same comparison during WTA matches — Aryna Sabalenka.
While Sabalenka remains the gold standard of power tennis, Potapova’s aggressive baseline style is triggering familiar reactions. The sound off the racket, the early ball strikes, and the refusal to back down under pressure all feel strikingly similar.
But how close is this comparison really? Let’s break it down.
The Rise of Power Tennis in the WTA
Women’s tennis has evolved fast.
Defense and counterpunching still matter, but today’s game rewards players who can take control early in rallies.
Aryna Sabalenka proved that raw power, when controlled, can dominate the tour. Now, younger players like Anastasia Potapova are following that blueprint — not copying it, but adapting it to their own strengths.
Potapova’s game fits perfectly into this modern trend.
Anastasia Potapova’s Playing Style Explained
Potapova tennis is built around one clear philosophy: dictate first.
She looks to:
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Take the ball early
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Flatten out groundstrokes
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End points before opponents settle
Her forehand is her biggest weapon. When she’s confident, it penetrates through the court and pushes opponents deep behind the baseline. This is where fans see the Sabalenka connection.
Like Sabalenka, Potapova prefers:
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Shorter rallies
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High-risk, high-reward shot selection
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Offensive positioning
However, Potapova is still refining consistency, which is the key difference between potential and dominance.
Aryna Sabalenka: The Benchmark for Power
Aryna Sabalenka didn’t become a Grand Slam champion by accident.
She mastered something many power players struggle with — controlled aggression.
Sabalenka hits big, but she also:
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Trusts her patterns
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Manages pressure moments
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Accepts errors without losing belief
This mental stability is what separates elite power players from streaky ones.
When Potapova plays her best tennis, the resemblance is obvious. When errors pile up, the gap becomes clear.
Where Potapova Mirrors Sabalenka
The comparison isn’t just fan hype. There are real technical overlaps.
Similarities fans notice:
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Flat, penetrating groundstrokes
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Aggressive return positioning
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Willingness to attack second serves
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Emotional intensity on court
Potapova Anastasia also shows that same hunger Sabalenka had early in her career — the desire to prove she belongs among the elite.
Where Potapova Still Lags Behind
This is where realism matters.
Sabalenka’s power is paired with:
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Superior serve consistency
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Better error management
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Stronger performance in tight matches
Potapova tennis still has swing phases. She can look unstoppable one set, then struggle with timing the next. That inconsistency is natural at this stage, but it’s the main barrier between her and Sabalenka-level success.
The Jasmine Paolini Contrast Makes It Clear
Matches against players like Jasmine Paolini highlight this perfectly.
Paolini thrives on rhythm disruption, defense, and mental patience. When Potapova rushes or overhits, Paolini benefits. When Potapova stays disciplined, she controls the match.
This contrast shows why power alone isn’t enough — it must be paired with decision-making.
Why Fans Love This Comparison
Tennis fans are drawn to clarity.
Power players are easy to understand emotionally.
When Potapova steps inside the baseline and rips a forehand winner, it sparks excitement. That emotional response is exactly what Sabalenka delivers consistently — and why comparisons feel natural.
It’s not about saying Potapova is Sabalenka.
It’s about seeing the early signs of a similar path.
Can Potapova Reach Sabalenka’s Level?
The honest answer: Yes, but only with evolution.
For Potapova Anastasia to reach that level, she needs:
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Improved serve reliability
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Better shot tolerance in long rallies
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Stronger mental control in close sets
If those elements develop, her power game gives her a ceiling few players possess.
What This Means for the WTA
The WTA thrives on stylistic diversity.
Sabalenka represents peak power.
Paolini represents peak consistency.
Potapova sits right in the middle — raw, dangerous, and evolving.
That’s good news for fans.
Because when Potapova finds her balance, matches become unpredictable, explosive, and must-watch.
Final Thought
Aryna Sabalenka set the standard.
Anastasia Potapova is chasing it — in her own way.
The power is real.
The belief is growing.
Now, the consistency will decide everything.
And that journey is exactly why fans can’t stop watching.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and editorial purposes only. The content reflects analysis and opinion based on publicly available information, match observations, and general tennis knowledge. It does not represent official statements from the WTA, players, coaches, or affiliated organizations. Player performance, rankings, and comparisons may change over time. Readers are encouraged to verify statistics and updates through official sources.
External Links (Authoritative Sources)
Use 1–2 links only for best SEO and Google Discover trust.
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Official WTA Player Profiles: https://www.wtatennis.com
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WTA Rankings & Match Results: https://www.wtatennis.com/rankings
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Grand Slam Tennis Information: https://www.itftennis.com