Aryna Sabalenka all smiles at UFC333 in Abu Dhabi despite name mishap

Aryna Sabalenka has not had it all her own way in 2026. A very important period is coming up for the Belarusian, who is set to challenge for a first ever WTA Finals crown after last year's heartbreak. For the time being, she is enjoying herself at another sporting event where her name is less familiar.

The four-time Grand Slam champion decided to make the trip to Abu Dhabi to watch UFC 333. She had great seats near the front of the arena, representing her VIP status as one of the best tennis players in the world.

She sent out a brief message to her fans while gazing on at proceedings. "Hey guys, I am here at the UFC. I'm loving the fights. Great atmosphere. I'm really enjoying it.

She also had her turn in the spotlight as the camera fixated on her, with her name evidently spelt wrong below. Instead of Sabalenka, it was 'Sabalenko.' That also caught the commentator off guard, who said the four-time Grand Slam champion's name incorrectly.

They did get the accolades section right. A two-time Australian Open and two-time US Open champion, if things went differently in 2026 Sabalenka would have three of each. However, this campaign has turned into a frustrating one on the court, with smiles and joy a rarity compared to other dazzling seasons. She is all fun and games away from the action, but once returning she will be a fiercely determined competitor looking to end her season with a bang.

Sabalenka is one of the best players in the world, and rightly so, deserves lofty ambitions. She normally hits those heights, but in recent times it has not occurred out that way.

Her form at Grand Slam level has been surprisingly underwhelming. She was bettered in Melbourne and New York by a superior Elena Rybakina, who in the process eventually snatched away the World No.1 spot. While the likes of Mirra Andreeva and Linda Noskova won major titles, Sabalenka endured her first majorless season since 2022.

Following the Australian disapointment, it seemed that she had turned a corner. Title runs in rampant fashion at Indian Wells and the Miami Open, both times defeating Rybakina en route to success, was an ominous statement of intent as she looked to plough on.

At WTA 1000 level, she has made just one quarter-final since, coming directly after the Sunshine swing at the Madrid Open. Five consecutive WTA 1000 appearances without a last-eight showing is her worst since the 2019 campaign, with a second round defeat to the hands of Ann Li in Wuhan the latest of the lot.

She opted not to compete in any of the WTA 500 events currently ongoing in Asia. She could have tried to play herself into form, but instead she is resting and focusing on the ultimate prize at the end of the year. The 28-year-old has never won the WTA Finals. She debuted in 2021, where she failed to get out of the round robin.

She was stunned in the 2022 final against Caroline Garcia before a brace of semi-finals followed. Rybakina upped the ante with a whitewash tiebreak confirming a straight-set win in Riyadh and more frustration for Sabalenka.

Having already comfortably qualified for the sixth campaign on the spin, Sabalenka will be one of the favourites to seal glory. This is despite her prior poor form, and this could come to bite her back when it matters the most. The tournament will take place in Indian Wells from November 9-15.