
Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, has taken a bold step off the court, gracing the pages of *Cosmopolitan* magazine’s innovative Cosmo Sports series with a vibrant, deeply personal feature that unveils a side of her rarely seen by fans. Released on July 23, 2025, the spread, captured through the lens of photographer Jonas Unger, follows the Belarusian star through a day in her life in Paris—training on the clay courts of Roland Garros, strolling the city’s iconic streets, and unwinding in moments of quiet reflection. Accompanied by an in-depth interview with journalist Lauren Balsamo, a former youth tennis player, the feature delves into Sabalenka’s resilience, her approach to mental health, and her ambitions beyond tennis, offering a reintroduction to the three-time Grand Slam champion that transcends her on-court ferocity. “I can be pretty tough sometimes, but overall, I think I’m more of a chill person,” Sabalenka shared. “When I compete, I am a tiger—I’m fighting for my dreams out there; there’s no time to be nice. But I’m also definitely fun and easygoing, too.”
Sabalenka’s 2025 season has been a masterclass in dominance, with a 47-9 record and titles in Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid, solidifying her as the WTA’s No. 1. Yet, her journey has not been without challenges. The feature revisits the controversy following her French Open final loss to Coco Gauff in June, where Sabalenka’s emotional post-match comments—calling it the “worst tennis final of her career” and citing windy conditions—drew criticism for overshadowing Gauff’s victory. “I think it was more windy. Also I think I was over emotional,” she admitted, before adding, “But both things can be true. I didn’t play my best, and Coco stepped up and played with poise and purpose. She earned that title. Respect.” Her subsequent apology on Instagram and private message to Gauff mended their relationship, culminating in a lighthearted Wimbledon TikTok dance that buried any lingering tension. Balsamo argues this moment, while controversial, introduced Sabalenka to a broader American audience, paving the way for the reintroduction she deserves as a player who has ruled women’s tennis.
The Cosmo Sports spread captures Sabalenka’s multifaceted personality, from her intense on-court persona—marked by blistering forehands and fiery “Come on!” screams—to her off-court warmth. Polaroid-style timestamps chronicle her day: smashing serves at Roland Garros, exploring Parisian cafes, and relaxing in the gym. She opened up about her mental health journey, particularly after a tough 2022 season plagued by serving struggles that nearly led her to quit. “You’re always talking to yourself and dealing with emotional moments,” she said. “There’s a bad mindset and a good mindset you have, and you are just trying to balance them during the match. It’s a fight, it’s tough, but it’s also beautiful if you can get through it and you can get those wins.” Her resilience, bolstered by supportive teammates and friends, has been key to her ascent, with her tiger tattoo—a symbol of her nickname, “The Tiger”—embodying her fierce determination.
Beyond tennis, Sabalenka’s ambitions shine through. “I would love to write a book,” she revealed, envisioning a future in fashion or beauty, possibly launching her own brand. Her passion for skincare is a relatable obsession, as she admitted, “I cannot stop ordering and trying beauty products. My routine is a lot of moisturizing and serums. I have a lot of devices, too, like one from Medicube.” These glimpses into her personal life, from her beauty rituals to her dreams of entrepreneurship, humanize a player often defined by her on-court intensity. Her recent move to Evolve, Naomi Osaka’s sports agency, reflects her desire to build a brand that matches her sporting success, especially after parting ways with IMG due to limited endorsement opportunities amid geopolitical sensitivities tied to her Belarusian nationality.
Sabalenka’s feature comes at a pivotal moment. After a Wimbledon semifinal loss to Amanda Anisimova (6-4, 4-6, 6-4), she withdrew from the National Bank Open in Montreal to rest before defending her US Open title. Her 2025 season, with nine WTA 1000 titles and a 257-109 hard-court record, underscores her dominance, yet she remains reflective. “I would tell her to enjoy the journey because even when you hold the trophy, all you remember is the struggle—what you went through and what it took to be in your position,” she said, offering advice to her younger self. As Sabalenka prepares for the hard-court swing, her Cosmo Sports feature reveals a champion who balances ferocity with vulnerability, ready to conquer both the court and the world beyond it.
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