It’s just another reason why her fans are so excited to see what she’ll do next, both on and off the court.
When Aryna Sabalenka lifted the 2023 Australian Open trophy, her booming serves and relentless energy stole the
spotlight. But it wasn’t just her raw power on court that left an impression. It was her humorous, often accidental
remarks during post-match interviews that made everyone sit up and take notice. Over the past year, the Belarusian
star has been slowly cementing herself as not just a tennis powerhouse, but also as the unintentional comedian of the
WTA circuit.
While players are typically nervous or rehearsed when speaking to the crowd after a big win, Sabalenka has
consistently shown a refreshing candidness. With her unique combination of raw passion, straightforwardness, and
unfiltered humor, she has won over fans for more than just her athleticism. In fact, her post-match interviews are
almost as entertaining as the matches themselves.
The 2023 Australian Open: The First Big Hint.
Sabalenka’s moment of comedy came during the 2023 Australian Open final, when she defeated Elena Rybakina in a
thrilling three-set encounter. After the match, a tired but elated Sabalenka took the microphone to address the
crowd. The moment was emotional, but as she thanked her team and fans, she awkwardly tried to express just how
grateful she was for their support. “I’m sorry, I’m just, you know, I’m too emotional,” she said, her voice breaking as
she struggled to find the right words.
And then came the line that cracked everyone up: “You know, I never thought I would win a Grand Slam. I thought I
would be… uh… a good volleyball player maybe!”
The crowd erupted in laughter, and Sabalenka’s face turned a shade of red as she realized what she had just said. But
instead of backing away from the gaffe, she embraced it, smiling sheepishly. The moment was a perfect
encapsulation of Sabalenka’s self-deprecating humor and her ability to laugh at herself.
The French Open and the ‘Loud’ Compliments.
Fast forward a few months to the 2023 French Open, where Sabalenka reached the final but was ultimately defeated
by Iga Świątek. After the loss, Sabalenka once again had a lighthearted moment that resonated with fans. In a press
conference, she was asked about her competitive spirit and what drives her to stay at the top of the game. Her answer
was both earnest and unexpectedly funny.
“I always try to push myself, you know? Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t,” she began. “But you know, I
really appreciate the support from my team. They’ve always been there for me. And, um, also my fitness trainer…
who makes me run… a lot. Sometimes I wish he would just, you know, say ‘well done’ instead of ‘run faster’!”
The remark, delivered in Sabalenka’s signature deadpan style, had the room in stitches. Fans on social media
immediately began to share clips of her comment, admiring both her humor and her honesty.
Humor and Confidence in Equal Measure.
For Sabalenka, these unintentional jokes aren’t just funny, they’re also an expression of her evolving confidence as a
player and person. As a child prodigy, Sabalenka was known for her fiery on-court persona. But over the years, she’s
become more comfortable with the limelight—and it’s showing. Whether it’s a candid joke or a playful quip, the 25-
year-old has become more relatable to tennis fans, who appreciate her down-to-earth demeanor as much as her
impressive tennis skills.
Her sense of humor has helped her bond with her audience, and it’s also made her post-match interviews something
to look forward to. It’s as though her wins are punctuated by a little dose of lightheartedness that makes her a fan
favorite, not just a tennis champion.
The Power of Self-Awareness.
Sabalenka’s accidental jokes are so endearing because they’re genuine. Unlike some players who come across as
rehearsed or overly polished in interviews, Sabalenka’s unguarded moments showcase her authenticity. Her ability
to laugh at herself, especially after the high-stakes drama of a final, shows an uncommon level of self-awareness.
While some might shy away from humor, especially after a tense match, Sabalenka embraces it. This effortless charm
only enhances her appeal, as fans and pundits alike enjoy her more for who she is off-court just as much as for her
impressive athletic feats. As she continues to rise in the rankings and collect trophies, it’s clear that her witty,
unintentional humor is here to stay.
So, whether she’s cracking jokes about her “volleyball aspirations” or giving shout-outs to her fitness coach, Aryna
Sabalenka is proving that a little humor can go a long way.
