Aryna Sabalenka has endured several personal hardships on her journey to the top of women’s tennis, including the loss of her father, Sergey Sabalenka, in 2019. Sergey, a former ice hockey player, died aged only 43 of meningitis.
The tragedy deeply affected Sabalenka, reshaping her outlook on the sport. Following her father’s death, the Belarusian has often mentioned that tennis became more than just competition for her: it turned into a personal mission and a way to honor his memory.
What Did Aryna Sabalenka Reveal About Her Motivation To Excel in Tennis?
Sabalenka, the current WTA World No. 1, joined tennis legend Andre Agassi at the Prudential NextGen Aces event in Hong Kong. At the event, Sabalenka asserted that her motivation in tennis stems from personal loss, revealing that the sport took on new meaning after her father’s death.
“For me, tennis became something much bigger when I lost my father,” Sabalenka said. “Now I just want to see how far I can go in this sport and inspire the next generation.”
The 26-year-old, known for her power and intensity on court, admitted she isn’t always the perfect role model but remains committed to setting the right example. “I want to be a good example, maybe. Sometimes I’m not a good example. But maybe also an example of what not to do,” Sabalenka said.
“Most of the time, I’m trying to be a good example for the next generation, and that’s what inspires me.”
Aryna Sabalenka spoke about her career attending an even with Andre Agassi in Hong Kong :
” For me tennis became something bigger when I lost my father, I wanna see how far I can get in this sport, most of the time I’m trying to be a Good example for the next generation” pic.twitter.com/dBWY72kjYw— Liviefromparis 🇫🇷🤸🏼♀️🎾 (@Livieparis2024) October 14, 2025
Sabalenka, who won her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 Australian Open, said she still views her career as being in its early stages. “I just started,” she said. “It’s not really a question for me of what keeps me inspired. There’s so many things to achieve, to get better at, and to win. So I feel like it’s just the beginning for me.”
She opened the 2025 season by winning the Brisbane International and reaching her third straight Australian Open final, falling to Madison Keys. The Belarusian later captured the Miami Open and her third Madrid Open crown, surpassing 11,000 WTA ranking points.
Despite runner-up finishes in Stuttgart and losses in Rome and Wimbledon, Sabalenka remained consistent, reaching multiple semifinals and finals. After withdrawing from the National Bank Open due to fatigue, the World No. 1 rebounded at the 2025 US Open, defeating Amanda Anisimova to claim her fourth Grand Slam and second consecutive US Open title, and became the first player since American legend Serena Williams (2014) to defend the trophy.
