Aryna Sabalenka is widely recognized for her powerful presence on the tennis court, but in a recent interview with Vogue, the world No. 1 revealed a deeply personal side. The Belarusian tennis star spoke openly about her emotional outbursts during matches and the lingering pain from the death of her former boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov. Sabalenka stated that she no longer feels ashamed of displaying emotion during games, as it helps her maintain focus and release pressure. The 28-year-old also discussed the difficulty of processing Koltsov's death in March 2024 and how returning to tennis became her way of coping with grief. Her candid interview has once again highlighted the immense pressure athletes face away from the public eye.
Sabalenka on Controlling Emotions
Sabalenka admitted that managing her emotions was a significant challenge when she began her professional tennis career. Speaking to Vogue, she recalled instances where she completely lost control during matches, even when she was leading. She explained that she used to be angry with herself for reacting emotionally, but now she views those moments differently. Letting her emotions out during matches helps her reset mentally and continue competing at the highest level, she said. Sabalenka added that top players always expect to win, especially after becoming Grand Slam champions, and that pressure can build up quickly during matches. Sometimes yelling or throwing a racket becomes a release, she admitted. While these actions may not look good publicly, she believes they are part of what keeps her mentally engaged in matches.
Criticism and On-Court Incidents
Sabalenka has faced criticism for several on-court incidents in recent years. During the 2024 Wuhan Open, she threw a racket toward a ball kid in frustration. Earlier this year at the Miami Open final, cameras captured her shouting at a fan during the match. Despite the backlash, Sabalenka made it clear that she does not believe athletes should suppress every emotion. She emphasized that showing emotion is a natural part of competition and should not be stigmatized.
Remembering Konstantin Koltsov and Her Father
The interview became emotional when Sabalenka spoke about Konstantin Koltsov, the former hockey player who died in Miami in March 2024. Police reported that Koltsov died after falling from a hotel balcony in what was described as an apparent suicide. Sabalenka revealed that police officers informed her of his death while she was practicing ahead of the Miami Open. She said she struggled to accept the news and continued playing tennis because working helped her cope with the pain. Sabalenka also reflected on losing her father, Sergey, in 2019 due to meningitis. She shared that emotional videos about fathers and daughters still make her cry because she often imagines how proud her father would be of her success today. Sabalenka, who is now engaged to Georgios Frangulis, noted that grief never fully disappears and that everyone handles it differently.
