“You’re a champion on the court, you’re a champion off the court, you’re a good sport!” This quote from Serena Williams’ book added a cherry on top after Aryna Sabalenka won her first match at the Australian Open in a star-studded arena. But wait! How does it apply to off-court, then? Well, it’s for her dance skills, which made her a ‘good sport’ altogether. 

The back-to-back Aussie Open champion Aryna Sabalenka started her 2025 at this year’s AO on a rain-soaked opening day at Melbourne Park. Her opponent? Former US Open winner Sloane Stephens whom she beat 4 times before this. And, as expected, the Brisbane International winner thrashed the American 6-3, 6-2 over two sets at the iconic Rod Laver Arena, extending her AO winning streak to 15 matches. Consequently, while many believed the celebration had concluded following her victory, the profound skills displayed by the Belarusian athlete elevated the post-match presentation. Her dance moves!

Just after, Sabalenka and Jelena Dokic were engaged in the match analysis, and the significant moment came when Dokic reminded everyone how Sabalenka dances with her team members. “But I have a question, I’ve noticed something. You always dance, but there is no one in the crowd. So I have an idea…” Dokic added.

The illustrious arena that saw Aryna Sabalenka’s victory also saw Georgios Frangulis and Rebel Wilson, who is a renowned Australian actress, comedian, and producer, grooving as they witnessed the 26-year-old dancing skills at the behest of Dokic. “Now they have approved that I’m the worst dancer,” she even replied after dancing with Dokic, where the entire arena got involved. However, how does Dokic know about Sabalenka’s dance? Well, thanks to social media!

Just before the AO opening match, Aryna Sabalenka was seen at the training ground with her teammates, dancing to a song. “Back on the dance floor- I mean tennis court… 🤪,” she wrote while posting the dance video on her Instagram account. That’s not it! It has become one of the Down Under traditions for the Belarusian, also seen last year’s AO, dancing to the Fireball song at the training court with her teammates that even the Australian Open YouTube channel posted about it. 

As one of the few ladies capable of transforming the entire Rod Laver Arena into her personal stage, fans eagerly anticipate her turning those electrifying dance moves into victories following her ambition towards triple triumph. But, as she approaches the second round, she might consider a tougher practice to achieve the triple-triumph.

Aryna Sabalenka’s post-match status and the three-peat chase

Opening day, done and dusted! The first match for the Belarusian was a test in more ways than one. Stephens, not the same as she once was, hobbled into the first set while the defending champion raced out to a 4-0 before a significant part of the crowd settled into their seats inside the Arena. However, the American stormed back into the fifth serve, making the game 4-3. And as the crowd was expecting an ‘Opening day’ upset, the Belarusian came back, winning the first set and second in no time. However, the world No. 1 acknowledged the gut check in 1st set while addressing her frustration leading the double-faults at first serve.

“I think it’s a big difference, comparing myself to even like three years ago,” she said. “In that moment I would get frustrated and probably would lose the first set. I’m not sure if I would be able to win the match. That’s what I remember. I’m really glad that I improved my mental toughness, let’s say. I’m able to stay focused no matter what the score, what the situation is,” she added post-match. 

And as she won 28 of her 29 matches in Australia, the Belarusian then replied by explaining what is her plan to deal with her status. “I think the biggest lesson I learned last year is just not focusing on, defending titles or having the opportunity to put your name on the history, whatever. I think the key is just to keep focusing on yourself and trying your best and see what happens after the tournament,” she added.

Next up is 22-year-old Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain, with whom Sabalenka will compete in the Second Round match on January 15. What do you think the scores will be? Comment your prediction below!