Key Takeaways
- Aryna Sabalenka attended UFC 333 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi while on a rest break ahead of the WTA Finals.
- The World No. 2 has posted a 47-11 record this season and captured titles at both Indian Wells and Miami.
- Sabalenka will contest her fifth career WTA Finals appearance from Nov. 8 to Nov. 15 in Indian Wells.
Aryna Sabalenka spotted ringside at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi
World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka spent time away from the court this past weekend attending a mixed martial arts event at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Taking time to recharge before the upcoming season finale, she took in UFC 333, a card headlined by a featherweight clash between Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev.
Sabalenka shared photos from her seats on Instagram, remarking in an online post, “You know the tiger loves a good fight….” She was also featured during the Paramount+ broadcast and expressed her enthusiasm during a clip shared on UFC’s Instagram channel, noting that she was enjoying the card and praised the surrounding energy.
Preparation continues for Indian Wells
Alongside combat sports and beach outings shared on social media, Sabalenka posted training footage as she prepares for the year-end tournament. The WTA Finals will be staged in Indian Wells from Nov. 8 through Nov. 15, marking her fifth appearance at the prestigious championship. Sabalenka has reached the title round twice before, finishing as runner-up in 2022 and 2025.
During the current season, she has compiled a 47-11 match record and captured three WTA Tour titles, highlighted by back-to-back WTA 1000 trophies at Indian Wells and Miami.
Recent form and confirmed tournament field
Sabalenka qualified for the year-end competition in late September. Her recent stretch on the tour followed a runner-up finish to Elena Rybakina at the US Open, a result that saw Rybakina claim the World No. 1 ranking. Sabalenka subsequently competed in Beijing, earning a victory over Renata Zarazua before being eliminated by Nikola Bartunkova. At her next stop in Wuhan, she was defeated in an opening-round match by Ann Li, falling 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) despite surviving nine match points.
In addition to Sabalenka and Rybakina, the singles field competing in the California desert features Mirra Andreeva, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Elina Svitolina, Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova.
Aryna Sabalenka in 2026
Ranked world no.2, the Belarussian played her last match on the 14th of October when she capitulated to world no.31 Ann Li 3-6 6-4 7-6(5) in the 2nd round in Wuhan (draw).
Currently, during this year the Belarussian has an overall 47-11 match record. The Belarussian clinched 3 titles in 2026 in Brisbane, Indian Wells and Miami.
