Aryna Sabalenka's Confidence Problem Explained: Rennae Stubbs on Her Lack of a Plan B

Aryna Sabalenka's early exit from the China Open has raised fresh questions about her form, but former Australian player Rennae Stubbs believes the bigger concern is what happens when the Belarusian's usual attacking game stops working.

Sabalenka returned to competition in Beijing after losing the US Open final to Elena Rybakina. After opening with a comfortable 6-1, 6-3 victory over Renata Zarazua, the former world No. 1 was beaten 6-4, 6-3 by 20-year-old Nikola Bartunkova in the second round.

For Stubbs, the result points towards a confidence issue rather than simply a bad day on court.

What Is Wrong With Aryna Sabalenka's Game?

Speaking on the Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, Stubbs argued that Sabalenka's confidence appears low and that the 28-year-old is struggling to find solutions when her preferred aggressive style is not clicking.

"Her confidence level is so low," Stubbs said, while describing Sabalenka's current frustration on court.

The former doubles world No. 1 believes Sabalenka's reaction when matches begin to turn against her is different from that of some of her biggest rivals.

According to Stubbs, Sabalenka tends to become increasingly frustrated and look towards her player's box for answers rather than changing the way she approaches the match.

Sabalenka's Biggest Problem: No Game Plan B

Stubbs' most significant criticism was that Sabalenka currently lacks sufficient alternatives when her first-choice game breaks down.

"She has no game plan B," Stubbs said.

Sabalenka's tennis is built around aggression, powerful groundstrokes and taking control of rallies. When those weapons are working, she can overwhelm opponents. But Stubbs believes the problem emerges when Sabalenka is unable to execute that style consistently.

The Australian contrasted her with Coco Gauff, who she believes is more willing to adapt when her best tennis is unavailable.

"She will try and figure out a way to win even if her game A isn't there," Stubbs said of Gauff. "She'll go to game plan C, D, E, F if she needs to. But Sabalenka doesn't have game plan B at all."

The distinction is important. Stubbs is not suggesting Sabalenka lacks the weapons to compete with the best players. Instead, the concern is whether she can find another route to victory when those weapons are misfiring.

Why Is Confidence Such an Issue for Sabalenka?

Sabalenka has previously experienced a prolonged period in which one part of her game became a major liability.

Earlier in her career, her serve and double faults repeatedly created problems, particularly during important matches. She eventually addressed those weaknesses and developed into one of the most consistent players on the WTA Tour.

Her current situation is different because the issue appears less technical and more connected to confidence and adaptability.

She has still reached major finals and won important tournaments in 2026. However, the consistency of her best level has been harder to maintain as the season has progressed.

Sabalenka Has Not Won Since Miami

The results underline why questions are being asked about Sabalenka's current form.

She began 2026 strongly, winning titles in Brisbane, Indian Wells and Miami. Her victories at Indian Wells and Miami also gave her the Sunshine Double.

Since winning in Miami, however, Sabalenka has gone nine tournaments without adding another title.

Her deepest Grand Slam run came at the US Open, where she reached the final and had the opportunity to win the tournament for a third consecutive year.

Instead, Rybakina defeated her 6-4, 5-7, 6-2.

The loss also meant Sabalenka completed the 2026 Grand Slam season without winning one of the four major tournaments for the first time since 2022.

China Open Exit Raises More Questions

Sabalenka's Beijing campaign initially offered reason for optimism.

She produced 36 winners in her opening-round victory over Zarazua and said afterwards that she was pleased with her level, focus and physical condition.

But the second-round defeat to Bartunkova was a very different performance.

The 20-year-old broke Sabalenka early in the opening set, while the Belarusian was unable to convert several opportunities as she attempted to fight her way back into the match.

Bartunkova eventually completed one of the biggest wins of her young career with a 6-4, 6-3 victory.

Sabalenka Also Lost the World No. 1 Ranking

The dip in results has also affected Sabalenka's position at the top of women's tennis.

Following the US Open, Rybakina replaced her as world No. 1, with Sabalenka dropping to No. 2.

That adds another layer to a season in which expectations were exceptionally high for the Belarusian.

She had entered 2026 as one of the leading candidates to dominate the Grand Slam calendar. Although she has still produced several major results, her inability to convert those performances into titles has left her facing increased scrutiny.

Can Aryna Sabalenka Turn It Around?

There is still time for Sabalenka to change the narrative around her season.

She is expected to compete at the Wuhan Open from October 12, a tournament where she has enjoyed considerable success. Sabalenka has won the event three times, in 2018, 2019 and 2024.

She has also already qualified for the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, giving her further opportunities to rediscover her best level before the end of the season.

The challenge, however, may not simply be hitting harder or finding her best serve again.

If Stubbs' assessment is correct, Sabalenka's next step is learning how to win when her A-game is not available - finding the tactical adjustments and patience needed to stay in matches rather than relying almost entirely on her most aggressive tennis.

That could ultimately determine whether her current slump remains a difficult stretch or becomes a more significant problem heading into the next season.