“Maybe at 27 or 28?”: Aryna Sabalenka laughs about shifting motherhood goals after record-breaking season

Aryna Sabalenka ended her 2025 season on top of the world — literally. The Belarusian star finished as WTA World No. 1 with a staggering 63–12 record, over 15 million dollars in prize money, and nearly 2,500 points clear of Iga Swiatek. Her campaign was highlighted by her US Open triumph, the fourth Grand Slam title of her career, and a remarkable consistency that saw her won four titles and reach other five finals, including at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and the WTA Finals in Riyadh.

Yet, as Sabalenka celebrated another milestone year, she also looked inward, reflecting on something far more personal than trophies or rankings dutinr an interview with Alexander Sokolovskiy. In her trademark honesty, she spoke candidly about her plans for motherhood and how her ambitions have evolved over the years.

“At 18 I thought by 25 I'd win everything I wanted. At 25, I'd have a baby, come back and keep winning,” she laughed. “25 came, I won some stuff, then I thought maybe 27 or 28? Now I'm 27 and I'm like well… a bit later. We'll move it.”

Her words revealed a softer, more introspective side of a player known for her ferocity on court. Behind the power and passion, Sabalenka is a woman trying to balance personal dreams with the relentless demands of professional tennis. “I realised I wanted to get the most out of my career, see how far I can go,” she explained. “So it's a rough plan with a possible move. I would like to try to start a family in five years and maybe try to come back depending on what stage I will be in my life.”

While she laughed through her reflections, there was a clear emotional undertone — a sense that she’s already thinking about the next chapter, even as she dominates this one. “This is a difficult moment,” she admitted. “Because if I could, I would have gone now. I love children very much and it seems that children love me and I would really like to, but now I have a priority.”

That priority, for now, remains tennis — and Sabalenka continues to push her limits. Her 2025 season was one of the most complete of her career, showcasing maturity, control, and consistency to match her trademark power. She claimed 15 wins over top-10 opponents, including eight over top-5 players, asserting herself as the tour’s undisputed standard-bearer.

Even in defeat, she remained ever-present at the top in the biggest tournaments. Sabalenka reached the finals in Melbourne, Paris, and Riyadh, falling to Madison Keys, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina respectively. But those near-misses did little to dent her momentum. Her US Open victory — achieved with a fearless display of attacking tennis against Anisimova — cemented her reputation as the player to beat currently

Her ability to sustain excellence over a full season, across all surfaces, is what separates her now from the rest. While Swiatek, Gauff, and Rybakina have all had standout moments, Sabalenka’s consistency has redefined what it means to be a true No. 1.

Her openness resonates in a sport that has seen champions like Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, Caroline Woznaicki and Angelique Kerber return after motherhood — proving that excellence doesn’t have an expiration date. More recently Naomi Osaka, Elina Svitolina and Belinda Bencic keeps consistency after motherhood with simlar ages than Sabalenka.

As the world No. 1 heads into 2026, she shows no signs of slowing down. The 4-time major champion will begin the new year at the Australian Open as a heavy favourite, her World No. 1 ranking safe, her confidence intact, and her long-term vision clearer than ever.