“Doing Something Completely Stupid” – Aryna Sabalenka Opens Up on Her Go-To Way to Unwind Off the Tennis Courts
Aryna Sabalenka: A Tennis Powerhouse Balancing Passion, Fashion, and Personal Reflection
Aryna Sabalenka has never been one to hide her emotions, whether in moments of triumph or heartbreak. The two-time Australian Open champion narrowly missed out on an elusive Grand Slam three-peat, falling to Madison Keys in the 2025 final. The hard-fought match ended 6-3, 1-6, 7-5, marking her first loss of the season. While her dominance on the court remains undeniable, Sabalenka recently made waves off the court as well—gracing the cover of Flaunt Magazine.
Beyond her stunning photoshoot featuring luxury fashion brands, the world No. 1 revealed an intimate detail about her life—her greatest love. And surprisingly, it wasn’t her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis. Instead, she confessed that tennis remains the true love of her life, humorously adding, “Don’t tell my boyfriend.”
A Dazzling Fashion Statement
Draped in sophistication, Sabalenka donned a light-green Burberry coat, paired with a Skims bodysuit and Falke tights, accessorized with exquisite Bulgari earrings, necklaces, and rings. She also stunned in a Sandro jacket, a Fendi coat, and Stella McCartney shoes, further elevated by Bulgari’s statement pieces. While her bold fashion choices turned heads, it was her heartfelt admission about tennis that captured the most attention.
Despite Frangulis’ unwavering support throughout her Melbourne campaign, Sabalenka’s passion for tennis remains unmatched. Her intensity on the court is a defining trait, something she openly discussed in her Flaunt interview. “I am aggressive in some ways on the court. It’s quite crazy. You have to be 100% armed, which is really tough to handle throughout the whole day. When I’m not training, I try to find joy in simple things.”
On the Brink of History
For nearly three years, Sabalenka has cemented her place among the sport’s elite. With 20 consecutive victories in Melbourne, she came agonizingly close to making history. A win would have placed her among an elite group of players—Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Martina Hingis—who have reached five or more consecutive Women’s Singles Grand Slam hard-court finals in the Open Era. Though she fell short, her drive remains unshaken.
Yet, for all her competitiveness, Sabalenka acknowledges the importance of balance. “Sometimes, it’s just about enjoying a good coffee at a nice café, scrolling Instagram, doing something completely mindless. Being off. It’s important.”
Cherishing Personal and Emotional Moments
Fresh off her Australian Open campaign, Sabalenka has been sharing glimpses of her downtime. One of her recent Instagram stories showed her in a cozy white shirt, relaxing by the ocean—a quiet moment of reflection after the intensity of the tour.
While she embraces fame and success, Sabalenka also keeps some aspects of her life deeply private. Amidst the glitz and glamour of her magazine shoot, she opened up about her personal struggles, particularly the profound loss of her father, Sergey Sabalenka, who passed away in 2019 due to meningitis.
“I’m really open, but when I lost my dad, I grieved in private. From time to time, I go to church and light a candle for him and my grandfather. That’s something I would never show on social media. I’m not the type to film myself in a church.”
Looking Ahead: The Next Challenge
After a well-earned break, Sabalenka is gearing up for her return to competition at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open next week, followed by the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships. Currently leading the WTA rankings with 9,656 points, she holds a strong lead over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek (8,120 points).
Aryna Sabalenka continues to command attention, not just for her incredible game but for her off-court presence as well. While tennis remains her first love, she ensures that joy, balance, and personal reflection also have a place in her life. And as she continues to carve out her legacy, she does so on her own terms—both as a fierce competitor and as a woman who values the moments that truly matter.
