In the latest issue of Vogue Magazine, tennis star Aryna Sabalenka opens up about the emotional forces that drive her success on the court. Pride and pain, as she puts it, have been her emotional fuel, and her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of family.
The Power of Family
Sabalenka's connection to tennis is deeply rooted in her relationship with her father, Sergey, a former hockey player who introduced her to the sport. Her father's sudden death in 2019, at just 44 years old, was a devastating blow, but it also became a driving force for Sabalenka.
"Until I was maybe 13, we were wealthy," Sabalenka shares. "And then my dad struggled. So many setbacks. I watched him struggle many times in his career but always get up."
This resilience, passed down from her father, has become a cornerstone of Sabalenka's approach to tennis. She draws strength from her dad's memory, especially when facing adversity on the court.
The Impact of Loss
The loss of her father was not only a personal tragedy but also a catalyst for Sabalenka's ambition. She reveals that her desire to make her father proud and ensure the family name lives on in tennis history is a primary motivator.
"After I lost my father, it's always been my goal to put our family name in the history of tennis," she says.
This ambition is evident in her four Grand Slam titles and two US Open championships. Sabalenka's success is a testament to her ability to channel her emotions into a powerful force on the court.
Emotional Expression on the Court
Sabalenka's interviews also touch on her sometimes volatile eruptions during matches, including high-decibel grunting and racquet destruction. She defends these displays of emotion, arguing that they are a necessary release of frustration.
"It's okay to go nuts if you feel like you're holding too much in," she explains. "Sometimes you just need to let it go, to empty it so you're ready to start over and play the match."
This perspective on emotional expression is a refreshing take on the often-criticized topic of on-court behavior. Sabalenka's honesty and self-awareness add a layer of depth to her character and her approach to the sport.
A New Chapter
Off the court, Sabalenka is also navigating a new chapter in her personal life. Engaged to Brazilian businessman Georgios Frangulis, she jokes about her massive engagement ring, saying it can be a weapon on the court, a playful nod to her father's influence.
"I see a little bit of my father in him, and I absolutely love it," she says of her fiancé.
This blend of personal and professional success, all fueled by the memory of her father, makes Sabalenka's story a compelling and inspiring narrative. Her journey is a reminder of the power of family, resilience, and the unique ways in which we can honor those we've lost.
