Aryna Sabalenka’s open remarks regarding her retirement and future family plans sparked a range of reactions from fans, including surprise, worry, and support. The World No. 1 said she might be closer to retirement than initially believed as she got ready to start her Australian Open campaign.

During a drive to Melbourne Park, Sabalenka opened up about her future as a professional athlete and acknowledged that she believes her retirement is imminent.

She talked about it and said: “I’m 27 years old this year; I’m getting closer to my retirement. I don’t want to have my first kid at 35; I want to have a kid and then come back. But I don’t plan to retire anytime soon; I’m not prepared.”

Fans were surprised as Sabalenka announced she wanted to be a mother. One fan wrote: “I’m gonna cry.”

Another wrote: “Let’s just not talk about it. She’s always said she’s got a lot of things to achieve yet in the sports.”

Sabalenka at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2025

Currently ranked no.1, Sabalenka owns a compiled 6-0 win-loss record in 2025. The Belarussian is now playing at the Australian Open where she managed to beat the world no.84 Sloane Stephens 6-3 6-2.

Aryna Sabalenka will square off with Petra Kvitova in the final on Saturday at 6:00 pm on CENTRE COURT. Their current head to head is 3-2 for Kvitova.

Sabalenka clinched 1 title in 2025 in Brisbane.

Sabalenka won 18 titles in her career: 14 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)