Aryna Sabalenka has added another milestone to her growing list of achievements, becoming the first Belarusian to feature on the cover of TIME magazine. The world No. 1 spoke openly about the pressures of professional tennis, dealing with defeats and the relentless demands of competing at the highest level, while also reflecting on her childhood in Minsk.
Sabalenka celebrated the landmark moment on August 13 by sharing a video on social media in which she appeared in a stylish black one-piece while playing basketball. TIME described the WTA star as “the brightest tennis player in the world,” highlighting her powerful, fearless and direct personality both on and off the court.
Aryna Sabalenka Celebrates Historic TIME Magazine Cover in Style
Aryna Sabalenka took a break from tennis ahead of the U.S. Open, swapping her racket for a basketball and enjoying some lighthearted moments on an outdoor court. The world No. 1 shared a playful video on X on Thursday, appearing in a black one-piece outfit, sunglasses and flip-flops as she posed around the court.
The Belarusian star was seen grabbing the basketball net, smiling for the camera and casually enjoying the setting. Her outfit and relaxed poses quickly became the main talking points among fans, adding a fun twist to her preparations for the upcoming hard-court swing.
Sabalenka’s post came as she prepares to defend her Cincinnati Open title. She entered the WTA 1000 tournament as the top seed and received a first-round bye, with the 96-player event featuring a strong field that includes 10 Grand Slam champions.
Aryna Sabalenka Faces Pressure Ahead of Cincinnati Open and U.S. Open
Sabalenka enters Cincinnati with plenty on the line beyond another tournament title. She is trying to strengthen her position at No. 1 while facing pressure from Elena Rybakina, and the event represents her final major test before the U.S. Open. The Belarusian won Cincinnati in 2024 before going on to lift the U.S. Open trophy, although her latest run ended with a fourth-round defeat to Ekaterina Alexandrova at the Canadian Open. Despite that setback, Sabalenka remains a four-time Grand Slam champion and one of the biggest names in women’s tennis.
Away from competition, Sabalenka’s latest basketball video offered a glimpse of her more relaxed personality. Her playful poses and carefree approach stood in contrast to the intensity she brings to the court, especially after a season that has already included major moments such as an Australian Open final appearance and another U.S. Open triumph. With another demanding hard-court stretch ahead, Sabalenka appears to be enjoying the lighter moments before turning her focus back to tennis.
