Aryna Sabalenka Aims for Longevity in Women’s Tennis

World number one Aryna Sabalenka has expressed her desire to emulate the longevity of male tennis stars like Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka, envisioning herself as the “grandma” of the women’s tour. At 27 years old, Sabalenka has already secured four Grand Slam titles and is a strong contender for her third title at the 2024 Australian Open. On January 19, she advanced to the fourth round for the sixth consecutive year with a victory over Anastasia Potapova.

Sabalenka admires Djokovic, who continues to perform at an elite level at age 38, and Wawrinka, who mesmerized fans with a grueling five-set win at 40 years old. Reflecting on their careers, Sabalenka noted that age is becoming less of a barrier in sports. “I feel like there is no age anymore in sport,” she stated after her match at Rod Laver Arena. She believes that with the right team and approach, athletes can extend their careers significantly.

Looking ahead, Sabalenka expressed a desire to start a family around the age of 32. “Knowing me, I know that I love to accept tough challenges,” she said. “So I feel like even after having kids, I would love to challenge myself, like, coming back and see if I still have it.” This ambition to balance motherhood with a professional tennis career illustrates her determination to remain a competitive force in the sport.

In the upcoming fourth round, Sabalenka is set to face Victoria Mboko, a promising 19-year-old from Canada who recently eliminated 14th seed Clara Tauson. This matchup marks Mboko’s debut in the Australian Open’s fourth round, showcasing her rapid ascent in the sport. Sabalenka acknowledged the pressure faced by young players, remarking on how the new generation appears to handle success with remarkable maturity.

“I feel like maybe for me it would be really tough to handle the success at a young age,” Sabalenka reflected. “But now, seeing these girls achieving so much and playing such great tennis, it’s incredible.” She noted that younger players seem to mature more quickly than she did early in her career, a testament to the evolving landscape of women’s tennis.

As Sabalenka continues her pursuit of another Grand Slam title, her aspirations extend beyond immediate success. By aiming for a long and fulfilling career, she hopes to inspire the next generation of players, potentially paving the way for a future where motherhood and professional sports coexist harmoniously.