Aryna Sabalenka says her goal is to inspire the next generation of tennis players by setting an example, but admits she isn’t perfect.
The world No.1 was crowned Sportswoman of the Year on Monday at the Laureus Awards ceremony in Madrid. Created by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation more than 20 years ago, the annual event recognises athletes’ contributions to world sport over the past 12 months. Sabalenka is the first tennis player to receive the award since Naomi Osaka in 2021.
“To receive this award means a lot. 2025 was a season of lots of ups and downs, lots of tough lessons,” Sabalenka told reporters during a press conference.
“But at the end of the season, I managed to get my trophy, to finish the season as the world number one, and I’m super grateful and honoured to receive this beautiful trophy.”
Last year, Sabalenka reached the final in three out of four Grand Slams played, winning the US Open last September. She also won two WTA 1000’s and a WTA 500 that same season.
The 27-year-old has continued her surge into 2026, becoming one of the very few players in history to win both Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back. Since January, she has won 23 out of 24 Tour-level matches played, with her only loss being to Elena Rybakina at the Australian Open.
As one of the most well-known female athletes with an Instagram following of more than five million, Sabalenka appreciates the position she is in and the responsibility that comes with it. When asked if she sees herself as a role model for others, the Belarusian replied that she does. Even though she admits that sometimes she can be a ‘bad example’ with reference to her fiery temperament on court at times.
“That’s always been my goal to inspire the next generation. I always wanted to be a great example for them,” Sabalenka explained.
“Sometimes I’m a bad example, which is also good, to see. ‘Okay, you shouldn’t do that. You should do this.’ I always wanted to be that inspiration for young kids. That’s our future, and that’s what we have to focus on.
“If they look up to me, it means a lot, and that’s why I’m trying to have fun. That’s why I’m trying to show them that aside from your sport, you have to do things that bring you joy just so you mentally you’re healthier and you’re happier as a person. Then you can achieve whatever you want in your sport.”
Sabalenka will return to action later this week at the Madrid Open, where she is the defending champion. It will be her first clay event of the season after she withdrew from Stuttgart due to injury. Looking further ahead, she hopes to add to her Grand Slam tally soon.
“Going to French Open and Wimbledon, I just want to make sure that every time I’m competing on those beautiful stadiums in front of those incredible fans, I bring my best tennis, and I bring my best fight as well, and then I’ll do my best to achieve something big there.” She concluded.
