Aryna Sabalenka Reveals the Importance of TikTok to Connect With New Tennis Generations

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka may have been dealing with a lot of troubles on the court recently. However, the best thing about her is the way she disconnects herself and approaches the lighter side of life.

One of the applications she enjoys most is TikTok. Speaking in her post-match interview on Tennis Channel in Cincinnati, the reigning US Open champion talked about the impact this platform has had on connecting with younger audiences.

I think kids like me because of my TikTok. They run up to me saying: ‘I love your TikTok,’ and I ask them: ‘Do you know I play tennis?’. But I knew I had to show myself on TikTok to connect with the kids. The goal is to be an inspiration for them, to see that sparkle and motivation in their eyes, to post pictures of me, work hard, and copy my training. Honestly, that is the dream.

Outside of TikTok, Sabalenka also enjoys Instagram. The Belarusian is often spotted doing off the field activites and occasionally celebrating her on-court wins as well.

Due to her strong presence on social media, many critics have also criticized her for the ‘lack of seriousness’. Sabalenka is currently at the Cincinnati Open, where she is eyeing her 3rd Masters 1000 title of the season.

Aryna Sabalenka shares details of overcoming setbacks

Aryna Sabalenka has revealed insights into overcoming tough situations during the 2026 season. The World No. 1 has had a handful of those during the second half of this season.

If I see my team starts to criticize me harshly, I think we would end up in a big fight, and it wouldn’t be a good fight. Each player receives information differently. At the beginning of my career, I was heavily criticized and grew up in that environment, but today we like to talk about what’s happening, see it from perspective, and make adjustments. In tough moments, we get closer, have fun, have barbecues, and try to relax a bit because there’s a lot of pressure. I feel my recipe for overcoming these great challenges is to do it through conversations and fun.

Sabalenka has not been the same since winning the Sunshine Double in March. Since then, she has lost early in all of the clay-court Masters 1000 events. Then, she suffered heavy capitulations at Roland Garros and Berlin, where she was conceding bagel (6-0) sets to Diana Shnaider and Jessica Pegula.

She also saw her Wimbledon dream end after a straight-set defeat to former World No.1 Naomi Osaka. Her latest defeat came at the Canadian Open at the hands of Ekaterina Alexandrova. Since the start of the 2025 season, Sabalenka has held the World No. 1 ranking. However, she has not been winning Grand Slams consistently over the past 20 months, winning only 1 of the 7 possible.

Can Aryna Sabalenka secure the World No.1 ranking at the US Open?

It is a make-or-break season as far as Aryna Sabalenka is concerned. Just like last year, the Belarusian has gone empty-handed in the first three Grand Slams. Now, she has the opportunity to end her Grand Slam duck in New York.

However, a bigger storyline is shaping up during the American hard-court season. The World No. 1 ranking is on the line between her and Elena Rybakina.

Considering the inconsistent performances that Sabalenka has shown since March, the gap between her and Rybakina has reduced significantly. The early exits at Roland Garros and Wimbledon have only fueled the battle for the World No.1.

Now, the situation is that even if Sabalenka wins the US Open, she may relinquish her World No.1 ranking as she is the defending champion at Flushing Meadows. Moreover, Rybakina doesn’t have many points to defend for the rest of the season until the WTA Finals.

Also Read: Aryna Sabalenka’s fiance Georgios Opens Up About Financial Struggles and Cancer Diagnosis Before Building Multi-Million-Dollar Oakberry Brand