At just 26 years old, Aryna Sabalenka has already cemented her legacy in tennis as a World No. 1 and a three-time Grand Slam champion. With an estimated net worth of $18.7 million, her dominance on the court has been matched by her candidness off it. Sabalenka, who is currently unmarried and without children, recently opened up about her plans for motherhood and how they may influence her career trajectory. As she begins her quest for a third consecutive Australian Open title, her comments have sparked a wave of reactions from fans and pundits alike.
Key Takeaways from Sabalenka’s Journey
- Timing and Priorities: Sabalenka’s openness about retirement and motherhood reflects the importance of prioritizing personal goals while navigating a demanding career.
- Challenges for Female Athletes: Her comments spotlight the unique pressures women in sports face, particularly when balancing family aspirations with professional success.
- Role Model for Resilience: By expressing a desire to return to the tour after becoming a mother, Sabalenka sets an example for perseverance and determination.
- Focus on Legacy: Despite contemplating retirement, Sabalenka’s continued dominance on the court ensures her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Thoughts on Retirement
In a rare moment of vulnerability, Sabalenka revealed that she feels her retirement may not be as far off as many had assumed. During a conversation en route to Melbourne Park, the Belarusian star said:
“I’m kind of getting really close to my retirement, can you believe that? 27. People retire at like 30.”
Her words reflect an awareness of the demands placed on professional athletes, especially women who aspire to balance their careers with starting a family. Sabalenka’s comments come at the height of her career, sparking speculation about how long she intends to remain on tour.
Motherhood Aspirations
Sabalenka has been vocal about her desire to have children and her reluctance to delay starting a family. She remarked, “I don’t want to have my first kid at 35,” signaling her intent to prioritize motherhood sooner rather than later. Despite these aspirations, the reigning Australian Open champion envisions returning to the court after having children, aiming to teach them the value of hard work and dedication.
Her candidness has sparked mixed reactions online. While some fans expressed excitement about the prospect of Sabalenka becoming a mother, others voiced concerns about the challenges female athletes face when trying to return to elite competition after pregnancy. One fan highlighted the unique struggles women in sports encounter, writing: “Sad reality of women in sports who wish to have children… very hard to plan this and get back on top when back on tour.”
Fan Reactions
Fans reacted to Sabalenka’s comments with a blend of surprise, humor, and support. On social media platform X, one fan joked: “Oh, she’s so gonna be pregnant by US Open.” Another chimed in: “Watch her getting pregnant this year ☠️.”
Others took a more serious tone, with one fan cautioning against the timing: “GIRL, NOW IS NOT THE TIME FOR BABY FEVER.” However, many expressed admiration for Sabalenka’s openness and optimism, with one supporter saying: “Aryna would be such a good mom, I feel like.”
Despite the varied responses, the overarching sentiment highlighted the unique pressures and scrutiny faced by female athletes who consider stepping away from their careers for personal milestones.
Australian Open Campaign
Sabalenka’s comments come as she begins her campaign to achieve a hat-trick of Australian Open titles. On January 12, 2025, she kicked off her title defense with a convincing 6-3, 6-2 victory over Sloane Stephens. Stephens, who entered the tournament on an eight-match losing streak, posed little threat to Sabalenka, who was fresh off a title win at the Brisbane International.
Sabalenka expressed caution before the match, acknowledging Stephens’ potential “nothing to lose” mindset. However, her commanding performance demonstrated why she remains the favorite to claim the 2025 title. She now advances to face Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the second round, who defeated Sonay Kartal in straight sets.
Balancing Career and Aspirations
The discussion surrounding Sabalenka’s future underscores the challenges female athletes face in balancing career and family. While male players can often continue competing uninterrupted after becoming fathers, women athletes must navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and the physical toll of returning to peak performance. Fans pointed out the disparity, with one noting: “Usually when a player gets pregnant and then comes back, it’s wraps for them, I fear 💀.”
Despite these challenges, Sabalenka’s determination to start a family while pursuing her professional goals highlights her resilience. She has drawn inspiration from players like Serena Williams, who returned to competition after becoming a mother, proving that the transition is difficult but not impossible.
Looking Ahead
As Aryna Sabalenka continues her Australian Open journey, her remarks on family and retirement offer a glimpse into the human side of a world-class athlete. Whether or not she steps away from the sport in the near future, her impact on women’s tennis will remain undeniable. Her combination of power, skill, and vulnerability makes her a relatable figure, inspiring fans both on and off the court.
In 2025, Sabalenka stands at a crossroads—balancing her pursuit of more Grand Slam titles with her dreams of starting a family. Regardless of what the future holds, her story is a testament to the complexities of life as a professional athlete and the courage it takes to embrace change.