As the final Grand Slam of the season approaches, Aryna Sabalenka is making headlines both on and off the court in New York City. The world No. 1 returns to Flushing Meadows not only as the defending US Open champion but also as a force embracing the vibrant pulse of the city with her trademark intensity. Her motto? Work hard, play harder—and she’s living it fully.
Though Sabalenka was initially set to compete in the newly revamped mixed doubles draw, her partner Grigor Dimitrov had to pull out due to injury. Still, her calendar is far from clearing up. If anything, it’s packed with a mix of high-powered practice sessions and some stylish city fun.
Sabalenka came into this year’s US Open season after a brief but crucial mid-year break. Following her Wimbledon campaign, she opted to scale back her schedule, playing only one event—Cincinnati—where she made a solid quarterfinal run before being bested by No. 9 seed Elena Rybakina in a swift 6-1, 6-4 match. Despite the early exit, Sabalenka appeared mentally refreshed and physically recharged—exactly what she had aimed for during her summer hiatus.
Her time away from the competitive grind wasn’t just about rest; it was about recalibration. With a strong emphasis on mental clarity and focused training, she returned to the court looking sharp, powerful, and determined. That drive carried her straight to New York, where she’s not just preparing for title defense, but embracing every bit of the city’s dynamic energy.
Cameras recently followed her on what was described as an “off day”—though Sabalenka’s version of downtime still looked pretty active. She hit the practice courts with none other than Novak Djokovic, blending power and precision with the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Their session was a sight to behold, showing the mutual respect and high standards between two of the game’s most formidable athletes.
But it wasn’t all tennis. Off the court, Sabalenka made time for a bit of glam and relaxation, teaming up with Tequila Dobel for a chic cocktail outing that showed off her lighter side. Laughing, socializing, and sipping in style, she proved that elite athletes can balance business and pleasure—especially in a city that thrives on exactly that.
As the US Open looms, Aryna Sabalenka is clearly locked in—ready to defend her title with grit, grace, and a lot of New York swagger. Whether she’s crushing forehands, clinking glasses, or simply soaking up the city’s spirit, Sabalenka is showing the world exactly what a champion’s mindset looks like.