Sep 6

Aryna Sabalenka Talks to Miami Living

In a recent exchange, Miami Living delved into Aryna Sabalenka's viewpoints on Miami and beyond.

Sabalenka, who had previously exited the US Open in the semifinals in 2021 and 2022 and as the runner-up last year, won her first US Open championship by defeating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 under the closed roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium. This victory marks her third Grand Slam title and fulfills her long-held dream of winning at Flushing Meadows, where she overcame past tough losses and enjoyed strong support from the crowd.

On Miami

“The city offers everything you need. You can have fun, relax, work hard, practice, and they have great courts there. It feels like a paradise to me! With palm trees, always sunny weather, and people in good spirits, it’s an ideal place to recharge after a tough week on the tour.”

Off the Court

“Yeah, I enjoy going to the beach to relax. They have a lot of great beaches there, and playing volleyball on the beach – that’s my favorite activity!”

Memorable Moments

“When I didn’t play Wimbledon, I spent about 10 days there. It was truly fantastic. I dined at good restaurants, went to the beach, played volleyball, and it was filled with beautiful moments. That is definitely the most memorable moment for me.”

More on Sabalenka

Aryna Sabalenka, born in Minsk, Belarus, had an unexpected introduction to tennis when her father, a former ice hockey player, stumbled upon tennis courts while driving her somewhere. Intrigued by the sport, Aryna started playing and quickly discovered her passion for it. She began her formal training at the National Tennis Academy in Minsk when it opened in 2014.

In 2013, at the age of 15, she won her first ITF title in doubles and began making strides in her singles career. Despite skipping higher-level junior tournaments, she managed to excel in low-level professional events, laying the foundation for her future success.

Sabalenka’s rapid ascent in professional tennis was remarkable due to her aggressive style of play and powerful serve. By 2019, she rose in tennis ranks, securing her place among the elite with multiple WTA titles and top 10 rankings in singles and doubles. Partnering with Elise Mertens, she clinched two major doubles titles. In 2023, Sabalenka soared higher, winning her first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open, solidifying her status as a top player. She defended her title in 2024, winning the Australian Open without dropping a set, a feat last achieved by Azarenka in 2013. In 2024, Sabalenka captured her first US Open title with a 7-5, 7-5 victory over American player Jessica Pegula.

Beyond tennis, Sabalenka has sponsorships with Nike and Wilson, while her vocal political stance, evidenced by criticisms of the Belarusian government and expressions of support for Ukrainian citizens during the Russian invasion.