Aryna Sabalenka, born in Minsk, Belarus, has made headlines not just for her exceptional skills on the tennis court, but also for her candid reflections on her journey and the struggles she continues to face. In a recent SELF cover interview, Sabalenka opens up about her early days, her deep connection with her father, and the weight of expectations that have followed her since her father’s untimely passing.
Sabalenka’s tennis journey began at the tender age of six, prompted by her father, Sergey, a former ice hockey player. Seeking a constructive outlet for his energetic daughter, Sergey introduced her to tennis after spotting a local court. “I wasn’t a sitting-in-one-spot kid,” she recalls, with a playful grin that hints at her lifelong competitiveness. Tennis turned out to be the perfect match for her vibrant spirit—it was intense, challenging, and remarkably fun. Interestingly, one of Sabalenka’s motivations was the opportunity it provided to occasionally skip school: “Honestly, I remember I was waiting for my father to pick me up. I was the first one to leave the school and I was so happy,” she shares.
This father-daughter bond not only laid the foundation for her career but also shaped her identity. As she reminisces, her father was a constant source of inspiration—"He was so fun. I wanted to be like him when I grew up." His unwavering belief in her potential fueled their shared dream: winning Grand Slam titles before she turned 25. This goal propelled her through the ranks, leading to a stellar breakthrough season in 2018, which saw her clinch two titles, be named WTA Newcomer of the Year, and finish the year ranked 11th in the world—an impressive feat at just 20 years old.
However, Sabalenka’s journey took a tragic turn in 2019 when she lost her father to meningitis at just 43 years old, right as she achieved a coveted spot in the top 10. This loss significantly intensified her ambition to honor her father’s memory by etching their family name into the pages of tennis history. Alongside the glimmer of future successes loomed the heavy burden of expectations—both public and personal. “I was just all the time under pressure. Not outside pressure. Just because of myself,” she admits candidly, highlighting the mental challenges many athletes face in high-stakes environments.
The intense focus on achieving a Grand Slam title can be overwhelming, leading to mental hurdles that Sabalenka has openly acknowledged. Victory on the court has become intertwined with her promise to her late father, creating an internal struggle that made her lose sight of the very joy that once drew her to the sport. As she processed her grief and navigated the pressures of her career, Sabalenka found that her passion for tennis had become overshadowed by the gravity of expectation.
In the face of adversity, Sabalenka has sought to rediscover her love for the game. She reflects on the importance of maintaining a healthy mindset, emphasizing that success should not solely be measured in titles or rankings but also in personal growth and resilience. This perspective is vital in an individual sport like tennis, where players often contend not only with their opponents but their own minds as well.
As the new tennis season approaches, Sabalenka is working to embrace the process rather than fixate solely on potential outcomes. The mental shift has been enlightening for her, allowing her to compete with a sense of freedom rather than being shackled by the weight of expectation. She acknowledges the continuous battle between striving for excellence and maintaining mental well-being, recognizing that a balanced approach is essential for long-term success.
As discussions surrounding mental health in sports gain visibility, Sabalenka’s journey highlights the often-overlooked emotional aspects of athleticism. The pressure to perform can be paralyzing, yet embracing vulnerability can lead to profound personal and professional growth. By sharing her experiences, Sabalenka not only normalizes these challenges but also encourages a dialogue that extends beyond the tennis community.
In the grand tapestry of her career, Aryna Sabalenka is poised to redefine what it means to be a champion—not just through titles won, but through resilience, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to honor her father’s memory. As she prepares for the challenges ahead, she remains determined, focused, and ready for her next set, embodying the spirit of a true competitor who has learned to balance ambition with self-compassion.
With every match, Sabalenka strives not only to climb the ranks but also to inspire the next generation of athletes to forge their paths. Her journey serves as a poignant reminder that success isn’t merely about trophies; it’s about growth, identity, and enduring legacy. As she steps back onto the court, Aryna Sabalenka carries with her not only her dreams but also the hopes and memories of those who have supported her along the way.
