Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and reigning queen of women’s tennis, has never shied away from her intensity on the court, and her latest candid remarks reaffirm that fiery spirit. As she prepares to chase her first Italian Open title in Rome, the 27-year-old Belarusian opened up about her unapologetically aggressive on-court demeanor, describing herself as a “very unpleasant person” during matches. “I can say that I am a very unpleasant person on the court, I am downright nasty. Well, not nasty, no, very tenacious, with a character,” Sabalenka confessed with her trademark bluntness. Her self-assessment, delivered with a mix of humor and honesty, underscores the mindset that has propelled her to the pinnacle of the sport while sparking intrigue among fans and rivals alike.
Sabalenka’s on-court persona is a stark contrast to her off-court charm. Known for her infectious smile and playful banter, she transforms into a relentless competitor once she steps onto the clay, grass, or hardcourt. “Probably bchy. In short, a bch, yes. That’s how they called me here,” she admitted, embracing the label with a laugh. “I think you have to be mean. Of course, you can be a good person, a good girl off the court, but on the court you have to be mean, hungry, greedy and very unpleasant.” This duality—warmth off the court, ferocity on it—has defined her 2025 season, which includes three WTA titles in Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid, where she defeated Coco Gauff 6-3, 7-6(3) to claim her third career Madrid Open crown. Her dominance has extended her lead atop the WTA rankings to a commanding 4,345 points, solidifying her status as the player to beat.
The Italian Open, where Sabalenka is on a six-match winning streak following her Madrid triumph, presents a chance to achieve a rare feat: the Madrid-Rome double, previously accomplished by only three women, including Serena Williams. Last year, she fell to Iga Swiatek in the Rome final, but her hunger for redemption is palpable. “What I’m actually proud of [is] that I was able to come back in those finals and I was able to change things and see if the lesson was learned, try to bring better tennis in the next final,” she reflected, highlighting her growth after runner-up finishes at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, and Stuttgart this year. Her ability to learn from setbacks, coupled with her unrelenting drive, makes her a formidable contender in Rome.
Sabalenka’s intensity isn’t just about power—though her 124-mph serves and thunderous groundstrokes are legendary. She’s evolved into a complete player, blending variety with brute force. Drop shots, once a rarity, are now a weapon, as seen in her 2024 Rome match against Elina Svitolina. “She’s got the power. She’s moving now on court much better than few years ago. She’s now also very good in defence,” Daria Kasatkina noted, praising Sabalenka’s improved movement and tactical versatility. Yet, her fiery demeanor occasionally draws criticism. At the 2025 Australian Open, Sabalenka’s emotional exit after losing to Madison Keys sparked debate, with some calling her a “demonstrative sore loser” for smashing her racket and briefly leaving the court. She later won over the crowd with a heartfelt speech, proving her ability to balance passion with grace.
As Sabalenka prepares for Rome, her “unpleasant” on-court persona is both her shield and her sword. “I want people to know I’m not that crazy off court. It’s only the on court Aryna,” she quipped at the Australian Open, reassuring fans of her lighter side. With a potential final against Swiatek looming, Sabalenka’s tenacity and “sporting greed” will be on full display. For the Belarusian star, being “mean” on the court isn’t a flaw—it’s the key to her reign as tennis’s fiercest champion.
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