Sobolenko: Eastern European Coaches Are Tougher, but the Environment in the US is Healthier

Three-time Grand Slam champion and world number one, Belarusian tennis player Arina Sobolenko, agreed with the notion that individuals from Eastern Europe tend to exhibit greater mental toughness and shared her thoughts on why this might be the case.

«It’s a serious topic. I believe we are considerably tougher due to the environment in Eastern European countries. Those who face hardships develop both mentally and physically and emerge much stronger, particularly among the majority of women on the tour. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure why this is, but I think it stems from the harsh conditions in our nations and the rigorous training from our coaches. Their methods aren’t particularly pleasant; they can be quite harsh. I think this contributes to our stronger mental fortitude. However, at the same time, their aggressive approach has broken many.

I feel that Europe and the U.S. offer a healthier environment, which might relate to family upbringing and how one is encouraged. My parents didn’t pressure me much; they only asked me to stop breaking rackets, which I still didn’t do after their request. I can say with certainty that the Eastern European training system is extremely tough. Those who endure it and come out the other side become very resilient,» Sobolenko stated at a press conference during the 2025 French Open.