Securing victory in the 2024 Australian Open not only marked Aryna Sabalenka’s second major triumph but also realized the aspiration of her late father.
Throughout her career, Sabalenka has emerged as a formidable force on the WTA tour. However, her tennis journey began serendipitously, guided by her father Sergey, a former ice hockey player.
“At one point, my dad was driving me somewhere, and we passed by tennis courts. He took me there, and I fell in love with the sport instantly. That’s how it all began,” she shared with FirstPost.
The sudden passing of her father in November 2019 deeply affected Sabalenka, causing a profound slump in form and motivation. Overcoming the emotional turmoil, she struggled to find her footing, grappling with the mental toll of her loss.
“It was unexpected. He was young, only 43. Mentally, it was challenging to prepare for the season. I didn’t contemplate much. It was tough to leave my family, but I had to,” she reflected during a WTA interview.
Upon arriving in Australia for the 2020 season, Sabalenka resolved to compete, driven by her father’s desire to see her excel as the top player in women’s tennis.
“I’m fighting because my dad wanted me to be No. 1. That’s what gives me strength,” she affirmed.
Her triumph at the Australian Open in 2023 marked the realization of her father’s aspiration, followed by her ascent to the World No. 1 ranking months later.
However, her father harbored more ambitions for her. In a candid revelation on the Netflix docuseries Break Point, Sabalenka disclosed that her father envisioned her winning multiple Grand Slam titles before the age of 25.
“He was like me, aggressive. He had high expectations. Our shared dream was for me to win several Grand Slams before turning 25,” she disclosed on the show.
On January 27, just months shy of her 26th birthday, Sabalenka clinched her second Australian Open title, defeating Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 6-2 at the Rod Laver Arena, thereby fulfilling her father’s cherished dream once more.
