Serena Williams has shared her thoughts on Aryna Sabalenka, highlighting a striking similarity between their on-court personalities. Although the 23-time Grand Slam champion observed a contrast in how their anger has been received, she had nothing but praise for Sabalenka and the greater acceptance of emotional expression.
What Serena Williams Said About Aryna Sabalenka’s Fiery On-Court Temperament
Williams recently made a return to professional tennis during the grass-court season, with her singles comeback stealing the spotlight at Wimbledon. Although the American lost to Maya Joint in the first round and sustained a knee injury that forced her out of the doubles event, she showed encouraging signs on the court and has hinted at a return during the North American hardcourt swing.
During an appearance at Fanatics Fest in Manhattan, Williams joined Kevin Hart for an episode of “Cold as Balls,” where she showered praise on Sabalenka. She expressed admiration for the Belarusian’s tendency to display her anger after defeats, explaining that she loved seeing Sabalenka express emotions in a way she was never allowed to during her own career.
“Sabalenka is No. 1 and she’s such a spitfire and she really gives her all when she’s out there. I see myself in that and so I love that, I love that about her. And when she loses, she’s mad and I wasn’t allowed to express my anger, but I love how she is allowed to express her anger. I love it,” she said.
RARE video of Serena Williams praising Aryna Sabalenka 👀👀👀👀 ” she’s such a speed fire, she really gives her all when she’s out there like that, I really see myself in that and I LOVE that about her” ” and when she’s losing she’s mad, I wasn’t allowed to Express my anger” pic.twitter.com/5E1uiVW0kj
— Livie 🐯🎾 (@Livieparis2024) July 23, 2026
The 23-time Grand Slam champion’s praise for Sabalenka comes as no surprise, since she recently spoke about how she enjoyed watching the world No. 1 succeed at Grand Slams after her retirement.
“Seeing Sabalenka just kind of do so well in so many of those Grand Slams has always been really cool to watch her. I love her intensity out there,” Williams said in a press conference at Wimbledon.
The admiration goes both ways. While speaking to the media at Wimbledon, Sabalenka described Williams’ comeback as “amazing” and said she was excited to watch her compete again. She also pointed out that the 44-year-old’s return was a major boost for tennis, given the attention it generated.
“I don’t know how far. I’m super excited to see her play. That’s incredible. I heard she said she’s doing that for her kids to see her play. They really get excited about that. It’s amazing what she’s doing. Also it’s Serena Williams, everyone was talking about that. She’s bringing more eyes on tennis. It’s a good thing for tennis. I’m really excited to see her play,” Sabalenka said.
MORE: Aryna Sabalenka Reunites With Her Sister and Mother, Shares Rare Hometown Pictures
Since falling short in the fourth round of Wimbledon, Aryna Sabalenka has been making the most of a well-deserved break. After a relaxing trip to Greece with her fiancé, Georgios Frangulis, the world No. 1 returned to her native Belarus, where the couple enjoyed quality time with her family.
Sabalenka will soon turn her attention to the North American hardcourt swing ahead of her return to the tour at the Canadian Open. The WTA 1000 event is set to begin on August 2.
As for Serena Williams, it remains to be seen where she will compete next. However, the 44-year-old has shared a promising update, revealing that her knee is “finally getting better.”
