Sabalenka reflects on late father’s influence, keeps private tribute through church visits

Sabalenka honors her late father privately, lighting candles in church, while fulfilling their pact by winning two Grand Slam titles.

Sabalenka Reflects On Late Father’s Influence, Keeps Private Tribute Through Church Visits

Aryna Sabalenka has shared a deeply personal aspect of her life, revealing how she copes with the loss of her father, Sergey Sabalenka, who passed away suddenly at the age of 43 due to meningitis. While the Belarusian tennis star occasionally visits church to light a candle in his memory, she emphasizes that such moments are private and not for public display.

“I’m really open. But I have to say, when I lost my dad, from time to time, I would go to the church and put a candle for his memory and the memory of my grandfather,” Sabalenka told Flaunt Magazine. “It’s something you never show on social media. I’m not gonna be the one in the church filming.”

Sabalenka has always been vocal about the profound impact her father had on her career. Before his passing, the two shared a goal: she would win at least two Grand Slam titles by the age of 25. In January 2023, she fulfilled that promise by claiming her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, defeating Elena Rybakina in the final. A year later, she successfully defended her title, securing a second Major just months before turning 26.

Following her victory over Zheng Qinwen in the 2024 Australian Open final, Sabalenka reflected on her father’s influence, expressing how his memory continues to drive her. “Of course he is my biggest motivation … he’s been everything for me,” she said. “But right now, I have my mum, my sister who is here with me, and I feel like I have to think about them. I just feel that he’s always with me.”

Beyond her Australian Open triumphs, Sabalenka has also added a US Open title to her achievements, further solidifying her status as one of the dominant players on the WTA Tour. While she recently experienced a heartbreaking loss to Madison Keys in the 2025 Australian Open final, her resilience and determination remain unwavering.

Aryna Sabalenka in 2025

Aryna Sabalenka

11 - 1win/loss

Hard
11-1
26 year old
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2025 Highlights

Now ranked no.1, the Belarussian played her last match on the 25th of January when she capitulated to world no.7 Madison Keys 6-3 2-6 7-5 in the final of the Australian Open (draw).

Presently, during this year Aryna achieved a composed 11-1 match record. Aryna has won 1 title in Brisbane. The Belarussian reached the final at the Australian Open.

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

Aryna has won 1 title in 2025 in Brisbane. Sabalenka was the finalist at the Australian Open.

The Belarussian 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)

Sabalenka is scheduled to compete next in Doha (Qatar TotalEnergies Open). She will start from the main draw that will commence on the 10th of February.

Sabalenka
Australian Open
Sabalenka's Record

Aryna Sabalenka

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