For Aryna Sabalenka, life at the top of women’s tennis brings incredible rewards—but also unrelenting pressure. The World No. 1 recently revealed that photo shoots and fashion allow her to escape the daily grind of professional tennis, offering her a much-needed mental reset after high-stakes matches.

In an interview with Flaunt Magazine, the three-time Grand Slam champion shared how stepping into the world of fashion helps her forget about the stresses of life on tour.

“When you go for photo shoots, you have makeup, you have your hair done, you try different styles. You see yourself from different perspectives. I love it. You forget about your normal life.”

But while Sabalenka thrives in front of the camera, she’s just as determined to return to the court stronger than ever after a devastating loss in the Australian Open final.

Sabalenka’s Emotional Australian Open Final Loss

Sabalenka entered the 2025 Australian Open final aiming for a historic three-peat in Melbourne, but Madison Keys had other plans.

The American edged out a thrilling 7-5 third-set victory, capturing her first Grand Slam title and leaving Sabalenka heartbroken.

🔥 After the match, an emotional Sabalenka:

• Screamed at her team after the final point
• Smashed her racket after shaking Keys’ hand
• Left the court for several minutes before the trophy ceremony

Her reaction sparked debate—with some, like Rennae Stubbs, criticizing her for diminishing Keys’ moment, while others, like Andrea Petkovic, defended her emotional outburst.

Regardless, the defeat stung deeply—and Sabalenka turned to fashion as a way to decompress before getting back to business.

Sabalenka’s Growing Passion for Fashion & Branding

This isn’t the first time Sabalenka has expressed her love for fashion. She’s actively working to expand her brand beyond tennis, following in the footsteps of icons like Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova.

🔹 She recently left IMG to join Naomi Osaka’s agency, Evolve, citing a need for better career management and branding opportunities.
🔹 She wants to explore more opportunities in fashion, which could mean future collaborations with major brands.
🔹 She’s embracing a dual identity—dominant athlete and style icon.

With tennis legends increasingly diversifying their interests, Sabalenka is making it clear: she’s here to dominate both on and off the court.

Sabalenka’s Next Move: Qatar Open Comeback

While Sabalenka enjoys her time in the fashion world, she remains laser-focused on defending her No. 1 ranking.

She returns to competition next week at the 2025 Qatar Open, a WTA 1000 event that will feature Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and a stacked field of top contenders.

Last year, she skipped the event after her Australian Open victory, opting for extra rest. But this year, she wants back on court immediately, likely fueled by the sting of her Melbourne defeat.

“I’m really motivated after that. Hopefully, soon I can be in that place again to experience that experience again.”

With Swiatek, Gauff, and other top stars in the mix, Sabalenka’s road to redemption starts now—and she’ll be eager to make a statement in Qatar.

Will Sabalenka Bounce Back & Extend Her No. 1 Reign?

Despite the heartbreak in Melbourne, Sabalenka’s consistent deep runs have kept her atop the WTA rankings.

✅ She remains World No. 1, holding off Swiatek and Gauff.
✅ She’s embracing a bigger brand identity, balancing tennis dominance and fashion ambitions.
✅ She’s heading into Qatar more determined than ever.

The big question: Can she bounce back from Australian Open heartbreak and continue her reign at the top of women’s tennis?

One thing’s certain—Aryna Sabalenka isn’t just playing for titles; she’s playing for legacy.