Aryna Sabalenka has never been one to shy away from the spotlight. Known for her thunderous groundstrokes, fiery competitive spirit, and relentless determination, she has steadily climbed the ranks of women’s tennis to become one of the sport’s most compelling stars. But what happens when the roar of the crowd fades and the cameras stop rolling? How does Sabalenka prepare herself mentally and physically for the next chapter in her career? In a recent exclusive SELF cover interview, Sabalenka opened up like never before—sharing her journey, her struggles, and her vision for what’s next.
If you thought you knew Aryna Sabalenka, think again. This interview reveals a deeper, more reflective side of the powerhouse player, and it’s clear that she’s ready for her next set—both on and off the court.
The Woman Behind the Power
Aryna Sabalenka’s rise hasn’t been without its challenges. The Belarusian star burst onto the scene with raw power and an unrelenting desire to win. But success at this level requires more than just strength; it demands resilience, adaptability, and a constant drive for self-improvement.
In the SELF interview, Sabalenka candidly discusses the pressure that comes with being a top contender. “People see the power, the wins, the trophies, but they don’t always see the mental battles,” she reveals. “Tennis is as much a mental game as it is physical. You have to fight yourself just as much as your opponent.”
What stands out is her honesty about vulnerability. Rather than masking doubts or setbacks, Sabalenka embraces them as part of the journey. “I’ve had moments where I questioned if I could handle the expectations. But those moments pushed me to grow stronger.”
The Mental Game: From Struggles to Strength
Sabalenka has openly spoken about her struggles with anxiety and managing pressure on the biggest stages. In this interview, she dives deeper into how she transformed those challenges into assets.
“I learned to accept that it’s okay to feel nervous,” she says. “Instead of trying to fight it, I channel that energy into focus and intensity. Meditation, visualization, and working with a sports psychologist have become key parts of my routine.”
This mental reset is what Sabalenka calls her “next set”—a new chapter marked by greater emotional intelligence and self-awareness. The ability to stay calm and composed under pressure has already translated into stronger performances in recent tournaments.
She also credits her team and support system for helping her stay grounded. “Surrounding yourself with people who understand you and believe in you makes a huge difference,” Sabalenka shares. “Tennis can be lonely, but I never feel alone.”
Physical Evolution: Fine-Tuning the Power Game
While mental toughness has been a focal point, Sabalenka is also committed to evolving her physical game. Known for her aggressive baseline play and booming serves, she’s continually refining her technique and fitness to stay ahead of the competition.
“I want to be more than just a power hitter,” she explains. “Working on variety—mixing in slices, drop shots, and better court coverage—is part of my plan. The game is always evolving, and so must I.”
Sabalenka’s training regimen reflects this commitment. It includes agility drills, endurance sessions, and flexibility work, alongside strength training to maintain her signature power. This holistic approach aims to extend her peak performance years and reduce injury risk.
Embracing the Spotlight: Beyond Tennis
Aryna Sabalenka is not only a tennis star but also an influential figure in the sports world. The SELF cover interview highlights how she embraces this role with maturity and purpose.
“I want to use my platform to inspire young girls, especially from countries where tennis isn’t as popular,” she says. “If I can show them that with hard work and belief, they can reach their dreams, that means everything to me.”
Sabalenka also touches on her interests outside tennis, including fashion and wellness. “Self-expression is important to me,” she admits. “Whether it’s the clothes I wear or the way I live my life, I want to be authentic.”
Her recent photoshoot with SELF captures this authentic vibe—powerful, poised, and unapologetically herself. It’s a glimpse into how she balances the intense world of professional sports with a grounded personal identity.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Aryna Sabalenka?
The most exciting part of the interview is Sabalenka’s forward-looking mindset. Despite already having a glittering career, she views every tournament as a fresh opportunity.
“I’m not satisfied with where I am,” she says with determination. “There’s so much more I want to achieve. Grand Slams, number one ranking, team titles—I want it all.”
Her goals are ambitious but realistic, backed by the hard work and mental clarity she’s cultivated. She acknowledges that the journey won’t always be easy, but her passion for tennis keeps her hungry.
Sabalenka also hints at potential new ventures beyond playing—whether it’s mentoring young players or engaging more deeply with community initiatives. “Tennis has given me so much, and I want to give back.”
What Fans Can Expect This Season
For fans eager to see Aryna Sabalenka in action, this season promises thrilling matches and a renewed intensity. With her sharpened mental game, refined skills, and fierce determination, she’s poised to challenge the very best.
Expect to see her bring that trademark fire—blistering serves, fearless baseline rallies, and a warrior’s mindset—to courts worldwide. And when the pressure mounts? Sabalenka’s calm confidence will be on full display.
Her SELF cover interview is not just a profile; it’s a statement. Aryna Sabalenka is ready for her next set—and the tennis world should take notice.
Final Thoughts
Aryna Sabalenka’s story is one of relentless growth, self-discovery, and passion. The SELF cover interview pulls back the curtain on a star who refuses to be defined by past victories alone. Instead, she is focused on the future, on evolving both as an athlete and as a person.
For anyone following women’s tennis, Sabalenka is a player to watch—not just for her incredible power, but for her inspiring journey toward mental mastery and authentic leadership.
So here’s to the next set—where Aryna Sabalenka shows the world she’s just getting started.
