Aryna Sabalenka has been open about her interest in photoshoots and fashion, and she spoke more about it during a recent interview.
The WTA world No. 1’s recent photoshoots include appearing on the covers of Harper’s Bazaar, Flaunt, and Ocean Drive Magazine. She generated much attention by wearing various glamorous outfits in those publications.
Last month, Sabalenka admitted to loving fashion because she can see herself from a different perspective and forget about the stresses and strains of everyday life by having her hair and makeup done.
In an interview with the Tennis Channel at the 2025 Indian Wells Open, Sabalenka revealed that photoshoots are like a hobby for her. She enjoys feeling beautiful in a way that is impossible when competing on the court.
“I love it [doing photoshoots]. It’s kind of like a hobby for me. I like doing all of that shooting. I like to see myself a little bit in a different way than I look on court–kind of like a bit more beautiful, let’s say. Yeah, I like to do all of that stuff.”
Sabalenka believes it is important not to always think about tennis. She uses photoshoots and her other hobbies to relax off the court, taking her mind off the often stressful life of a professional athlete.
“I think, as I always say, it’s all about balance. You know, you have to do everything, and you have to sometimes forget about tennis just so you’re not going too crazy on yourself.”
The three-time Grand Slam champion having activities she enjoys off the court is important. Her rivals at the top of the women’s game also engage in hobbies to keep themselves occupied instead of obsessing about tennis.
Iga Swiatek recently created a new website that includes her favorite artists, movies, TV shows, and books, giving new insight into what the four-time Grand Slam champion does when she is not competing in front of millions of fans worldwide.
Coco Gauff, who defeated Maria Sakkari to reach the round of 16 in Indian Wells, is a big Marvel fan, and her outfit at the 2025 Australian Open was inspired by female superheroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In an on-court interview after beating Matteo Berrettini in Indian Wells, Stefanos Tsitsipas revealed that cooking is his newest hobby, something he does with girlfriend and WTA star, Paula Badosa.
Unlike Badosa, who had to withdraw from the Indian Wells Open with an injury, Sabalenka remains in the tournament. She reached the round of 16 with a dominant victory against the Italian Lucia Bronzetti.
Sabalenka’s victory was more comfortable than in the opening round against McCartney Kessler, who pushed the world No. 1 in two close sets. The American showed some of the form that took her to the final of the ATX Open in Austin.
Sonay Kartal is Sabalenka’s next opponent. The Briton is a massive underdog for the match, but can play without fear in a matchup that few expect her to win. Regardless of how that match pans out, she has already had a great tournament.
