"I love my fans... but sometimes you just want to relax": Aryna Sabalenka offers rare glimpse into life away from tennis during Vienna trip
WTA
Aryna Sabalenka has offered fans a rare glimpse into the life she tries to build away from the tennis court, revealing how a quiet getaway to Vienna helped her mentally reset after another painful Grand Slam disappointment.
The world No. 1 recently uploaded a new episode of her YouTube series Aryna's Arena, documenting several days spent in the Austrian capital alongside her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, and her dog Serena. Rather than focusing on tennis, the video follows Sabalenka as she explores the city, visits museums, enjoys long walks and embraces a slower routine before returning to competition.
The timing of the trip was no coincidence. Sabalenka arrived in Vienna after her surprise fourth-round exit at Wimbledon, where she was beaten by Naomi Osaka in what marked another frustrating end to a Grand Slam campaign. Despite remaining the WTA's top-ranked player and a four-time major champion, the Belarusian has now gone a full year without lifting another Slam trophy.
With the North American hard-court swing now approaching, Sabalenka hopes the break will leave her refreshed for the most important stretch of her season, which includes the Canadian Open in Toronto, the Cincinnati Open and, ultimately, her US Open title defence.
Sabalenka shares how she moved on from Wimbledon disappointment
The episode begins with Sabalenka explaining exactly why she chose Vienna after leaving London behind. "The plan is just to do random stuff that we can forget about tennis."
Away from practice courts and tournament schedules, the Belarusian admits she needed time to process another difficult defeat. "It's always tough when you know what you're capable of and then you just cannot make it happen. It's like, I don't understand what's going on."
Aryna Sabalenka reached Round of 16 at Wimbledon, but lost against Naomi Osaka in straight sets.
Instead of rushing back into training, Sabalenka focused on simple routines she rarely has time to enjoy during the season. She described wandering through parks, visiting museums, discovering new places and appreciating the chance to experience a city without the constant attention that follows one of the biggest stars in women's tennis.
"In the cities where I play, people are aware of tennis players around. I love my fans. I love to talk to them, to take pictures, do autographs," the 4-time Grand Slam champion said. "But then it becomes impossible to actually walk and just enjoy the nature. So then you just end up taking pictures and signing stuff, which, once again, I like it. But sometimes you just want to relax."
She also admitted that some of her favourite ways to unwind have nothing to do with tennis, mentioning beauty appointments, good breakfasts, coffee and restaurants as part of her ideal recovery routine.
"The most important part of what I like to do off the court is doing my nails, doing my hair. Any beauty appointment you can imagine, I love to do it. That's what I do off the court, to relax. It's always different, but for me, the most enjoyable thing is a good breakfast with a good cup of coffee"
"I always try to surround myself with the people I can trust, who I can be relaxed with," Sabalenka added. "I can be myself, I can be funny, silly... just like being me."
A crucial stretch awaits the world No. 1
The break now gives way to one of the biggest challenges of Sabalenka's season. She is expected to return to action at the Canadian Open in Toronto, where she has no ranking points to defend after skipping the tournament last year. She will then head to Cincinnati, where she reached the quarter-finals in 2025, before turning her attention to the US Open.
New York represents her final opportunity to add another Grand Slam title in 2026 after falling short at each of the year's first three majors. Sabalenka finished runner-up at the Australian Open, reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros and suffered an early exit at Wimbledon despite entering as one of the tournament favourites.
Sabalenka won her last title in March 2026, after completing the Sunshine Double at the Miami Open.
The 28-year-old made it clear throughout the video that recovery extends far beyond physical preparation, describing it as an ongoing process of finding balance before returning to competition. "It's always like this searching process of something that's going to help you mentally and physically to be there and to be ready to show your best."
For Sabalenka, Vienna was never about sightseeing alone. It was about stepping away from the pressure of the tour, reconnecting with herself and returning to the court with renewed perspective ahead of the tournaments that could ultimately define her season.
As she concludes the episode, the Belarusian reflects on the journey that has brought her to the top of the sport. "I know where it took me, I know where I've been, and I'm really respectful and grateful for every little opportunity I have in life."
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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