The World Tennis League (WTL) is back for its third season. And if you haven’t tuned in yet, you might want to grab your popcorn. The tournament has become a major fixture on the global tennis calendar, and this year, it’s bringing the heat like never before.  The League kicked off with the doubles and singles matches of the Hawks vs Falcons. The Hawks is spearheaded by WTA World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka and includes India’s Sumit Nagal. While the Falcons consist of Elena Rybakina and Andrey Rublev. On the first day itself, in the second round, during an exciting encounter between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, an expected moment almost stole the spotlight.

In a match that saw Elena Rybakina taking on Aryna Sabalenka, an unexpected but hilarious moment occurred. While Sabalenka was battling the Kazakh sensation, a toddler in the crowd started crying, turning the match into a bit of a comedy show. Sabalenka, never one to shy away from a light-hearted comment, quipped, “That’s exactly how I feel right now!”—and for good reason.

She had started the match on fire, racing to a 5-0 lead. But Rybakina was not ready to just hand over the match. The unthinkable happened as Rybakina stormed back, tying the score and sending the match into a tense tiebreak. Sabalenka, who had initially looked in control, found herself in a real battle. But, true to form, she pulled through, eventually clinching the win.

Before the World Tennis League started, the World No.1  treated herself to a fun night out in Abu Dhabi. She stepped out for a dinner date with her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis’s daughter, and one of her friends. The Belarusian player looked absolutely stunning as they enjoyed their evening, sharing a glimpse of the night on her Instagram. This was probably Sabalenka’s way of recharging before diving back into the competition.

As she finishes her season with the WTL, she will set her eyes on the Australian Open trophy in 2025.

Aryna Sabalenka to defend her Australian Open Major in 2025

Aryna Sabalenka had a 2024 to remember. She started the year by clinching the Australian Open. Then followed it up with a second Grand Slam win at the US Open. The Belarusian tennis player’s game was undoubtedly on fire. By the end of the season, she was named WTA Player of the Year and finished at World No.1. She made this season her own, and all we can say is we’re here for it.

As Andrea Petkovic put it, “I think Sabalenka is the overwhelming favorite just because I know how seriously she takes the off-season. I know she will put in all the work, and I think she is the best hardcourt player we have. I think she has proven that not only this year but over the last few years. I think she has really come into herself on hard courts this year, and I think she will be the favorite.” Looks like Petkovic is betting on Sabalenka to keep her crown next year, too!

The WTL gave us some exciting drama and laughs (thanks to the crying toddler) on the first day itself. It also showed us a glimpse of Sabalenka’s grit. If this is how she’s warming up then 2025 better brace for the Aryna storm!