When Aryna Sabalenka speaks about her father, the usually fierce and fiery world No. 1 lets her guard down. Behind every roar, ace, and Grand Slam triumph lies a story built on loss, resilience, and love.
At a recent Prudential NextGen Access event alongside tennis legend Andre Agassi, Sabalenka opened up about the tragedy that changed her life the sudden passing of her father, Sergey Sabalenka, in 2019. His death, she says, didn’t just break her heart it reshaped her purpose.
“For me, tennis became something much bigger when I lost my father,” Sabalenka shared with emotion. “Now, I play to see how far I can go and to inspire the next generation.”
Sergey Sabalenka, a former professional ice hockey player, was Aryna’s biggest supporter and first coach in spirit. He believed she was destined for greatness long before the world did. His discipline, confidence, and drive molded Aryna into the powerhouse she is today. But when meningitis took his life at just 43, everything changed.
Instead of giving in to grief, Sabalenka transformed her pain into passion. She promised herself she would honor her father’s belief in her by becoming one of the best in the world and she’s done exactly that.
Now a four-time Grand Slam champion and two-time US Open winner, Sabalenka stands as the first woman since Serena Williams to defend a US Open title. Her explosive power and relentless mentality are what define her game but her quiet motivation comes from somewhere far deeper.
In an interview with Flaunt magazine, the Belarusian star revealed that while she’s open about her struggles, some parts of her grief remain sacred. “From time to time, I go to church and light a candle for my father and grandfather,” she said. “It’s not something I show on social media. It’s just for me and for them.”
Through victories and defeats, Sabalenka’s determination never wavers. She admits she’s still learning about herself, about patience, about perspective. “I’m not perfect,” she confessed. “But even my mistakes have meaning. They help me grow.”
For Sabalenka, every match is more than a competition it’s a conversation with her late father, a tribute to his faith in her.
“I know he’s watching,” she said quietly. “And that’s what keeps me fighting.”
As she continues to dominate women’s tennis, Aryna Sabalenka isn’t just playing for trophies she’s playing for memory, meaning, and a promise that will never fade.
