Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s number one women’s tennis player, is a force of nature on the WTA Tour, her powerful groundstrokes and fierce competitive spirit making her a formidable presence on the court. But behind the scenes, the Belarusian star reveals a personality that is equal parts playful, resilient, and deeply authentic, captivating those around her. As she navigates the 2025 season, fresh off a commanding 6-2, 6-3 victory over Olga Danilovic in the third round of the French Open, Sabalenka’s off-court demeanor offers a glimpse into the heart of a champion who balances intensity with warmth. “You see that when you are around the players,” said former world number one Dinara Safina, reflecting on Sabalenka’s magnetic presence and the genuine connection she fosters within the tennis community.
Sabalenka’s journey to the top has been marked by both triumph and adversity. The 26-year-old, who claimed her third Grand Slam title at the 2024 US Open and defended her Australian Open crown earlier this year, has overcome significant challenges, including a shoulder injury that sidelined her for Wimbledon 2024 and the emotional weight of personal losses. Her father, Sergey, who introduced her to tennis at age six, passed away in 2019, and the tragic death of her ex-partner Konstantin Koltsov in March 2024 tested her resilience. Yet, Sabalenka’s ability to channel these struggles into her game has earned her admiration. “She didn’t listen to outside voices and stuck with her team through the tough times,” Safina noted, praising Sabalenka’s loyalty and strength of character. This steadfastness has defined her, both in her professional circle and among fans who see her as a fighter who never gives up.
Off the court, Sabalenka’s infectious energy lights up the locker room and practice sessions. Her fitness coach, Jason Stacy, describes their team as “the craziest on tour,” a testament to their fun-loving dynamic. A memorable moment came during the 2024 Australian Open when Sabalenka autographed Stacy’s bald head as a good-luck ritual, a playful stunt that had her team in stitches. “It’s more about you than it’s about me,” Sabalenka said, crediting her team’s unwavering support for her success. Whether she’s joking around during workouts or sharing laughs with teammates, Sabalenka’s ability to infuse joy into the grind of the tour is a key part of her charm. Stacy emphasized this, saying, “The best teams ensure everyone feels they are a part of something bigger than themselves!! … HAVE FUN AND ENJOY each day!!!!”
Sabalenka’s vibrant personality extends to her interactions with fans and the media. Known for her candidness, she’s unafraid to speak her mind, whether addressing the inequities in prize money—“Women deserve to be paid an equal amount of money that men do,” she asserted after her Cincinnati 2024 win—or calling out overbearing coaches who once doubted her potential. “I was just laughing and saying ‘we’ll see,’” she recalled, reflecting on past criticism that she was “not smart enough” to reach the top. Her response? A defiant rise to world number one, proving her detractors wrong with three Grand Slam titles and 20 WTA singles trophies. Her playful side also shines through in moments of levity, like when she admitted to pretending to be tired to skip a training session for shopping, saying, “We listen and we don’t judge.”
Her off-court style is as bold as her game, with Sabalenka embracing fashion as an extension of her personality. At a WTA rebrand event in Los Angeles, she turned heads in a black leather Frankie Shop jacket and Hermès Mini Kelly, declaring her love for brands like Loewe and The Row. “I love those challenges,” she said of her competitive drive, likening the court to a theater where she puts on a show. This flair for drama, combined with her down-to-earth nature—evident in her love for her grandmother’s pancakes and *The Count of Monte Cristo*—makes Sabalenka a relatable yet larger-than-life figure. As she prepares for her French Open fourth-round match against Amanda Anisimova, Sabalenka’s blend of grit, humor, and heart continues to captivate, proving she’s not just a champion but a true star of the WTA Tour.
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