Aryna Sabalenka on Honoring Her Late Father
Aryna Sabalenka has shared that she occasionally visits church to light a candle in memory of her late father, but she emphasizes that this is a deeply personal act—one she would never document on social media.
Six years ago, the Belarusian tennis star endured one of the most heartbreaking moments of her life when her father, Sergey Sabalenka, suddenly fell ill with meningitis and passed away at just 43 years old. Over the years, the world No. 1 has spoken openly about the profound impact her father had on her career and life.
“I’m really open. But when I lost my dad, I started going to church from time to time to light a candle for him and my grandfather,” Sabalenka told Flaunt Magazine. “It’s something personal—you don’t show that on social media. I’d never be the type to film myself in church.”
Fulfilling a Promise to Her Father
Before his passing, Sabalenka and her father made a pact—she would win at least two Grand Slam titles by the age of 25.
In January 2023, she delivered on that promise, capturing her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, defeating Elena Rybakina in the final. A year later, she defended her title in Melbourne, securing her second Major crown just months before her 26th birthday.
“Of course, he is my biggest motivation … he meant everything to me,” Sabalenka said after winning the 2024 Australian Open against Zheng Qinwen. “But now, I have my mom and sister here with me, and I know I need to think about them too. Still, I feel like he’s always with me.”
Beyond Melbourne, Sabalenka also claimed her first US Open title in the last six months. However, her bid for a third Australian Open trophy fell just short in an epic final against Madison Keys.
