Aryna Sabalenka, the World No. 1 and Belarusian tennis powerhouse, is no stranger to commanding attention on the court, but a quirky moment off the court stole the show during Media Day at the 2025 Italian Open in Rome. As the clay season heats up, Sabalenka found herself fielding an unexpected question about her and Jannik Sinner, the ATP World No. 1, being compared as Italy’s beauty standards. The lighthearted exchange, which left Sabalenka bursting into laughter, has become a viral sensation, showcasing her infectious charm and ability to roll with the punches.
The incident unfolded during a press conference when a journalist relayed a fan’s comment from Sinner’s practice session at Foro Italico. “Did you know you were a beauty standard for Italy? Fans told Jannik he was as handsome as Sabalenka,” the reporter asked, prompting an immediate chuckle from the 26-year-old. “I always felt connected to Italy, to be honest,” Sabalenka quipped, her laughter filling the room as she leaned into the absurdity of the moment. The comment, captured on video, quickly spread across social media, with fans delighting in her playful response. One post on X called it “the most wholesome presser moment of the season,” while another dubbed Sabalenka “the queen of handling curveballs.”
Sabalenka’s connection to Italy isn’t just cosmetic. Her dominance on clay, evidenced by her 2025 Madrid Open title over Coco Gauff (6-3, 7-6(3)), has made her a favorite at Rome, where she reached the 2024 final, falling to Iga Swiatek. “I’m super motivated after Madrid,” Sabalenka said, eyeing a deep run at the WTA 1000 event. Her 2025 season has been stellar, with three titles—Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid—among six finals, and a 33-2 hard-court Grand Slam record since 2024, including Australian Open and US Open crowns. Her powerful serve, often clocking 124 mph, and versatile backhand make her a force, as rival Daria Kasatkina noted: “Her ball? It’s a rocket.”
Sinner, meanwhile, is making waves of his own in Rome, returning after a three-month doping ban that ended in April 2025. The Italian, who won the 2024 Australian Open and US Open, was visibly surprised by the fan’s beauty comparison during practice. “Jannik’s got that home-crowd energy,” Sabalenka said, acknowledging his electric comeback. The two have bonded over their hard-court supremacy, sharing media duties after their 2024 US Open triumphs. “We had fun, we had drinks, good food,” Sabalenka recalled of their post-US Open celebrations, hinting at their camaraderie. Their joint appearances, from morning shows to photoshoots, have endeared them to fans, making the beauty comparison a playful nod to their shared spotlight.
The Rome Open, running May 6-18, 2025, is a crucible for clay-season contenders. Sabalenka, the top seed, faces a stacked field including Swiatek, Gauff, and Elena Rybakina, while Sinner headlines the men’s draw alongside Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev. The tournament’s 96-player draws and global broadcasts—ESPN, Sky Sports, and BeIN Sports—ensure all eyes are on Rome. Sabalenka’s extroverted personality, often shining in post-match antics like her viral TikTok dance at the 2025 Australian Open, adds levity to the high-stakes event. “I just love the crowd,” she said of her fan connection, a sentiment echoed in Rome’s vibrant atmosphere.
The beauty question, while bizarre, underscores Sabalenka’s ability to defuse awkward moments with humor. Her response contrasts with past press conference tensions, like a 2023 French Open clash with a Ukrainian journalist over war-related questions, where she firmly stated, “I’ve got no comments for you.” In Rome, her laughter was a reminder of her growth, balancing intensity with joy. Fans on X praised her, with one writing, “Aryna’s laugh is the real MVP of this tournament.” As she aims for her first Italian Open title, Sabalenka’s blend of power, poise, and personality makes her a standout, proving she’s as captivating off the court as she is on it.
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