“When I lost my father”: Aryna Sabalenka’s honest talk with Andre Agassi shows how pain shaped her powerful tennis journey

Aryna Sabalenka shared an emotional story about how her father’s death changed her tennis career forever. The Belarusian star said tennis became more meaningful after she lost her father, Sergey Sabalenka, in 2019.

Speaking at the Prudential NextGen Access event alongside Andre Agassi, she said her goal now is to inspire the next generation and be a good example for young players. Aryna Sabalenka, who recently defended her US Open title, said her father’s memory keeps her strong and focused on every match she plays.

Aryna Sabalenka opens up about her father Sergey Sabalenka’s influence

Aryna Sabalenka was born in 1998 to Sergey and Yulia Sabalenka. Her father, Sergey, was a professional ice hockey player who helped her build the discipline and passion she has today. He believed in her talent from the beginning and motivated her to chase big dreams. But in 2019, Sergey passed away suddenly from meningitis at just 43 years old.

The loss left a deep scar on Aryna Sabalenka, but it also gave her a new reason to play. During the Prudential NextGen Access event, she said, “For me, tennis became something bigger when I lost my father. I just want to see how far I can get in this sport, and I want to inspire the next generation.

I want to be a good example.”Aryna Sabalenka admitted that she’s not perfect but tries to show honesty in everything she does. She believes even mistakes can teach lessons. After her father’s death, Sabalenka promised to make her family proud and work hard to become one of the best in the world.

Aryna Sabalenka keeps her grief private while achieving career highs

In an interview with Flaunt magazine, Aryna Sabalenka shared that she prefers to keep her private pain away from social media. She said, “From time to time, I would go to the church and put a candle for my father and grandfather. It’s something you never show on social media. I’m not gonna be the one in the church filming.”Also Read: Serena Williams Vs Maria Sharapova Net Worth In 2025: Who Is Richer, Tennis Career, Endorsements And MoreEven through personal grief, Sabalenka’s focus on court never faded. The world No. 1 has won 21 WTA Tour titles, including four Grand Slam singles trophies, two Australian Opens and two US Opens. In 2025, she became the first woman since Serena Williams to defend the US Open title.Aryna Sabalenka said her motivation now comes from her desire to make her late father proud and inspire others who face similar pain. She continues to shine as one of the strongest and most determined players on the WTA Tour.