Aryna Sabalenka, the unstoppable force in women’s tennis, has revealed her thoughts on retirement and her dreams of starting a family. Speaking candidly during an interview with Australian Open TV, the 26-year-old World No. 1 admitted that, despite being at the peak of her career, she is already considering life beyond tennis.
“Athletes Retire at 30”: Sabalenka’s Sobering Reality
Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, acknowledged the fleeting nature of a professional tennis career. “Being a professional athlete, I’m kind of like getting really close to retirement, can you believe that? People retire at 30,” she said, reflecting on the physical and emotional toll of life on the tour.
While her exact timeline remains uncertain, Sabalenka hinted at a plan to start a family before returning to compete professionally. “I love kids, I want to have kids. I don’t want to have my first kid at 35. The way I see it, I really want to have a kid and then come back. Then I want my kid to see how hard you should work in life to get things,” she shared.
A Career Built on Resilience and Triumph
Sabalenka’s openness about her future comes after a turbulent but triumphant 2024 season. The Belarusian ascended to the year-end No. 1 ranking, overtaking Iga Swiatek with stunning victories at the Cincinnati Open, US Open, and Wuhan Open.
Her journey to the top has been marked by moments of grief and personal loss. In March, Sabalenka faced the tragic death of her ex-boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, during the Miami Open, and in earlier years, she mourned the passing of her father at just 43. These experiences have shaped her perspective on life and family.
“I wish I had more time with him,” Sabalenka said about her father, reflecting on how his loss may have influenced her desire to prioritize family while pursuing professional success.
Sabalenka’s Legacy and the Path Ahead
Sabalenka’s dominance on the court is undeniable. A two-time defending Australian Open champion and three-time Grand Slam winner, she continues to push the boundaries of her game. However, her focus extends beyond titles and trophies.
Her vision to balance family life with professional tennis echoes the journeys of legends like Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, and Belinda Bencic, who have successfully returned to the sport after becoming mothers.
For now, Sabalenka’s immediate goal is clear: to secure a third consecutive Australian Open title. She started her campaign in Melbourne with a commanding straight-sets victory over Sloane Stephens, signaling her readiness to defend her crown.
A Champion with Perspective
Sabalenka’s reflections on retirement and family highlight her maturity and depth as an athlete. As she continues to dominate the sport, her ability to look ahead and plan for a future beyond tennis underscores her strength of character.
Whether she’s hoisting trophies or raising a family, one thing is certain: Sabalenka’s story is far from over.
