World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has had a thrilling start to the 2025 season. The Belarusian tennis star kicked things off on a high note by clinching the Brisbane International title. The Belarusian tennis player then made a deep run at the Australian Open, a Grand Slam she had won twice consecutively. However, this time, she fell just short, finishing as the runner-up. But Sabalenka isn’t dwelling on the loss. She’s moving forward and doing so in style.

Sabalenka doesn’t just serve aces on the court, she also serves when it comes to fashion. The World No. 1 graced the cover of Flaunt magazine for its 196th edition, titled, “Shadowplay.”

The World No.1 donned ten different outfits for the photo shoot, each one as striking as the next. On the cover, she stunned in a light green Burberry coat, a Skims bodysuit, and Falke stockings, accessorized with Bulgari earrings, necklaces, and rings. Another snapshot showcased her in a Sandro Paris jacket, a Fendi dress, Falke tights, and Stella McCartney shoes.

The 3-time Grand Slam champion also shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the shoot on Instagram, posting a reel that captured her effortlessly posing in various looks. Among them were a Chanel bodysuit and a Louis Vuitton hat, proving that whether on the court or in front of the camera, she commands attention.

But Sabalenka wasn’t just there to model- she also sat down with Flaunt for an interview where she opened up about life, tennis, and the toughest lesson she’s learned on the way.

Aryna Sabalenka reflects on her “hardest lesson” losing

Had she won in Melbourne, Aryna Sabalenka would have made history as the first player since Martina Hingis in 1999 to achieve a three-peat at the Australian Open. A victory would have placed her among the sport’s greatest, including Margaret Court (1969-1971), Evonne Goolagong Cawley (1974- 1976), Monica Seles (1991-1993), and Steffi Graf (1988- 1990). However, the World No.1 fell short of American powerhouse Madison Keys, in a grueling final, losing 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.

In her interview, Sabalenka got candid about handling losses and the mental challenges that come with being at the top.

“Most of the time, I’m losing,” she admitted. “Learning how to lose is the hardest lesson. At first, you don’t accept it, and you act like a bitch. To learn how to lose, stay a good person, and understand that this is just a moment that’s hard. You know, I’m World No. 1, but I’ve won only four tournaments. [It’s important to] still enjoy life while you’re not having the success you wish you would have on the court.”

After the tournament, she had vowed to return stronger. At the presentation ceremony, the Belarusian player said, “I just want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who made this tournament happen. Thank you to everyone who made my stay comfortable, and I really feel like home every time I’m here. Even though I didn’t get it this year, I’ll come back stronger and I’ll do my best next year,

With this mindset, the 26-year-old tennis player will now be traveling to the Middle East to continue her season. She will be next seen at the Qatar Open on February 9 and the Dubai Duty-Free Championships on February 16.

Aryna Sabalenka’s reflections show a champion who is evolving not just in her game but in her mindset. As she continues her season, will she turn this setback into fuel for an even stronger comeback?