New York: Aryna Sabalenka’s remarkable US Open triumph wasn’t just a showcase of her tennis prowess but also of her mental transformation — inspired by a book that cost her roughly Rs 300.
After a disappointing Wimbledon exit earlier this year, Sabalenka took a vacation to Mykonos, where she picked up Into the Magic Shop, a memoir by neurosurgeon James R. Doty. The book explores the science of the brain and the power of the heart, offering Sabalenka a new perspective on controlling emotions in high-pressure situations.
“I realised that I was letting my emotions control me in finals,” Sabalenka said. “That book really helped me to stay focused and to focus on the right things on important points.”
The Belarusian star also revealed she had stopped working with a sports psychologist after years of feeling overly reliant on external advice. Instead, she began self-reflecting and applying the book’s lessons to analyse her emotions and strengthen her mindset.
This new mental approach paid off spectacularly at Flushing Meadows, where Sabalenka defeated Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6(3) on September 6, 2025, to successfully defend her US Open title. It marked her fourth Grand Slam singles trophy and made her the first woman since Serena Williams to win back-to-back US Open crowns.
Sabalenka’s story shows that sometimes the right inspiration doesn’t come from expensive coaching or complex strategies but from a simple book — one that sparked a mental shift and powered her to tennis history.
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