Aryna Sabalenka: Fierce Competitor on the Court, Fun-Loving Jokester Off It

One of the unique privileges of covering the BNP Paribas Open is the opportunity to observe players beyond their on-court personas. While they often appear as intensely focused competitors, locked into strategy and precision, post-match interviews frequently reveal a different side. Aryna Sabalenka, in particular, stands out—not just for her powerful game but for her lighthearted and humorous nature.

Despite her dominance on the court, Sabalenka’s off-court personality is refreshingly candid and playful. Whether joking about feeling “old” at 26 or poking fun at her own love for Netflix and Italian food, she brings a unique energy to press conferences. Her interactions showcase a player who balances fierce competition with self-deprecating humor, making her not only a formidable athlete but also a fan favorite.

However, Sabalenka’s humor does not diminish her passion for the sport. She was visibly devastated by her Australian Open loss but channeled that disappointment into a commanding performance at Indian Wells. As she prepares to face 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva in Sunday’s final, fans can expect not only high-quality tennis but also an entertaining post-match moment—win or lose. Because, as she puts it, she’ll always be “a kid in the head.”