While sitting at the top of the WTA ranking, Aryna Sabalenka is also making a name for herself in the fashion world. Fresh off her new partnership with Gucci, she’s back with an elegant high-fashion photoshoot for Harper’s Bazaar amid the Madrid Open. Fans loved her chic look, but the Grand Slam champion admits she owes her current sense of style entirely to her mother.
Aryna Sabalenka Honors Mother’s Early Fashion Lessons in New Harper’s Bazaar Photoshoot
In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the 27-year-old discussed the lessons from her mother that have shaped her mindset, style, and rise to No. 1.
As a kid from Minsk who spent her days sweating on a tennis court, Sabalenka didn’t care much about fashion. But as her career skyrocketed, bringing red carpets and luxury brand deals along with it, her mother’s childhood lessons finally made sense. Her mom, Yuliya Sabalenka, had a much stricter standard for how her daughter should present herself.
“She always dressed me very classy,” Sabalenka said, recalling the tug-of-war over what to wear. “She’d say, ‘You have to be chic, classy, and elegant.’”
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Today, Sabalenka’s wardrobe is full of high-end designer dresses and luxury accessories. Naturally, her fashion-forward mother is reaping the benefits. When asked what her mom might want to borrow from her closet today, Sabalenka had a quick answer.
“Everything. As long as it’s not too baggy or too sporty.”
In January 2026, Sabalenka was officially named a global brand ambassador for Gucci, as the luxury house seeks to expand its presence in women’s tennis. The four-time Grand Slam champ joined Jannik Sinner on the Gucci roster, launching the partnership during the Australian Open.
Sabalenka starred in a high-fashion campaign video in which she is seen playing tennis in unconventional attire, including black stiletto heels and a dramatic silk twill Gucci-branded fringe dress resembling a feathered poncho. In February, she made an appearance sitting front row at the Gucci show during Milan Fashion Week, wearing a signature head-to-toe ensemble.
Sabalenka also added that their mother-daughter bond has only strengthened over the years. Beyond sharing a love for elegant clothes, Sabalenka leans heavily on her mother’s life advice in the high-pressure world of professional tennis. She shared that her mother used to frequently remind her, “Do not judge if you don’t want to be judged.”
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“She’s always telling me, just focus on yourself. Nobody cares if you win or lose. It’s all about you and the way you see your life and what you want to achieve,” Sabalenka added.
The world No. 1 is currently riding a 14-match winning streak on the WTA Tour, preparing for a highly anticipated Round of 16 showdown against Naomi Osaka on Monday. PFSN’s Madrid Open Predictor has Sabalenka with 87% chance to win.
