Aryna Sabalenka is a daughter who wears her heart on her sleeve. While her success as a tennis superstar is undeniable, Sabalenka’s ability to stay grounded and connected to her roots continues to touch hearts. In a moment that showcases the depth of her love and gratitude, the Belarusian star took to social media to honor her late father, Sergey Sabalenka, on the fifth anniversary of his passing.

The Belarusian tennis sensation was born to Sergey and Yulia in 1998. Her father also belonged to an athletic background and was an ice hockey player. However, things took a surprising turn for Sabalenka and her family after her father passed away at the age of 43 in 2019, after reportedly suffering from meningitis. Now, Sabalenka penned an emotional message for her father as she remembers him on his fifth death anniversary. 

Taking to her Instagram story, Sabalenka shared an old picture of her father. She highlighted how it has been five years already since her father’s demise and wrote, “I miss you so much Dad,” signifying the void that the demise of her father has left in her life. And the emotions are well justified given the magnanimous role that Sabalenka’s father has played in her career.

It was Sabalenka’s father Sergey, who introduced her to tennis during her childhood. Speaking about the same, the 26-year-old revealed “One day, my dad was just driving me somewhere in the car, and on the way he saw tennis courts. So he took me to the courts. I really liked it and enjoyed it and that’s how it was.” She has highlighted time and again the support she received from her father and how desperate he was to witness her immense success on tour. And this is not the first time when Sabalenka has highlighted how badly she misses her father.

“Wish he was alive” – When Aryna Sabalenka made heartfelt remarks for her father

When Aryna Sabalenka made her professional tennis debut in 2015, her father was sitting in the stands cheering for her. He inspired her immensely during her journey and hence, the WTA star shared a special bond with him. The closeness of the bond came to light yet again ahead of the US Open this year, when an interviewer quizzed her about how she continues to remain calm and joyous in adverse situations. “Could you talk about the joy you feel, the little girl giggles. Where did that come from?” 

On hearing this, Sabalenka was quick to recall her father as she confessed, “I think my personality came from my father. I wish he would be still alive. I think we would have so much fun together right now.” Continuing further, she added, “Lately, I just realized that this is not how things works. You have to balance this hard work, these expectations, pressure, and everything with little joy. You know, you have to find, like, things which bring you joy, and I have my crazy team and we have so much fun together.”

Now, all the star player would be aiming for is to fulfill the aspirations of her father. What do you think about Sabalenka’s love for her father? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.