There’s a real spark between World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka and her fans. Her powerful game and engaging personality light up every tournament. Wherever she plays, the energy is electric. Sabalenka’s connection with fans is clear-she gifts rackets, receives tiger-themed presents in Beijing, and always makes time for cool exchanges. Remember her 2024 US Open quarterfinal win? She joked about buying the crowd drinks to get the fans over to her side! That viral moment showed her down-to-earth side. Her fans travel from all over, even from countries where she hasn’t played, like Brazil! Sabalenka genuinely appreciates her supporters and always expresses that love right back.

On Sunday, she battled past Elise Mertens in a dramatic three-setter. Sabalenka dropped the first set 3-6, then roared back 6-2, 6-1, booking her spot in the round of 16. That win bumped her head-to-head record against Mertens to a dominant 10-2. As the world No. 1 and top seed, Sabalenka cruised through her opener against Anna Blinkova after a first-round bye. But Mertens gave her a real scare before Sabalenka found her groove and powered through.

But the real story was the electric atmosphere at the Caja Magica. Brazilian fans took over, bringing wild energy and non-stop cheers for the Belarusian star. After the match, Sabalenka couldn’t hide her excitement. “Thank you so much, everyone, for coming, watching and supporting us. Especially my Brazilian support, you guys are the best. Obrigado!” she said. She even joked to the Tennis Channel later on, “That’s my people. I’m almost Brazilian, right now.”

Here’s the fun twist: Sabalenka has never actually been to Brazil! Her growing Brazilian fan base might have something to do with her boyfriend, entrepreneur Georgia Frangulis. He was born and raised in Brazil. He’s the founder of Oakberry, a brand that celebrates Brazilian açaí berries and the Amazon rainforest. He’s also a regular on Sabalenka’s social media.

The love between Sabalenka and her “meu 🇧🇷 fans” really kicked off last month at the Miami Open. While Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca made waves, fans also adopted Sabalenka, gifting her a shirt that called her “Our Brazilian diva.” She embraced the vibe, shared the moment online, and rode that wave all the way to her first Miami Open title. Now, with the Brazilian crowd behind her again in Madrid, Sabalenka looks hungry for her third Madrid crown-and a 20th career title-at just 26.

But Aryna has always taken time to thank fans. Especially during her toughest moments, like after the tragic passing of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov, she expressed her appreciation for the heartfelt messages she received. “I want to take a moment to say thank you to all my fans for your outpouring [of] love and support during this difficult time,” Sabalenka wrote on her Instagram Stories April 1. “Your kind words mean so much and I carry them with me every day. I am so grateful for you all.” Even now, she feels the love from fans in every country.

Speaking about the reception of her supporters means the world to her. She said, “Honestly, every time I’m playing out there and I feel that support. I mean, there’s nothing better than that. And I really grateful for that support, and it’s fun. And I really hope, like, not only the Brazilian community but all over, doesn’t matter where you’re from, I hope it’s gonna grow, and because sometimes when I really play and I hear they scream my name…I have goosebumps, it’s an inspiration.”

It’s heartwarming to see the World No.1 draw inspiration from her fans. Just as she inspires them back! Some younger ones even hope to become pros and compete against her one day!

Aryna expresses a light-hearted warning to a young aspiring fan!

At the 2025 Indian Wells Open, just before her next match against Sonay Kartal, Aryna got a heartfelt surprise from the BNP Paribas Instagram team on March 12. She watched a touching video of 10-year-old Naysia Wilson, a young tennis fan, reading a letter she wrote to Sabalenka. Naysia expressed deep admiration not only for Sabalenka’s powerful game but also for her kindness, humor, and bravery-qualities that make her a beloved role model on and off the court. Naysia even cheekily challenged the World No.1 by saying, “I know I’ll meet you on the court again.”

Sabalenka was visibly moved. “It’s the best thing to see you know? Being an inspiration for the next generation, that’s the best. That’s the real goal in life and thank you for being inspired by me it means a lot,” she said warmly. Known for mixing fierce tennis with lighthearted social media moments, Aryna truly treasures these fan connections. She playfully warned Naysia, “I wish you all the best in your career and I really hope I’m going to play you one day. And I’m not going to be nice, just so you know.”

This candid moment shows how Sabalenka has mastered connecting with her fans, warming up to them beyond the court. Her genuine appreciation shines through every interaction, from making TikToks to heartfelt thank-yous.

Now, as she heads into the round of 16 to face Peyton Stearns, the crowd’s energy and her fans love could be the extra spark she needs to keep winning. So, what do you think? Will Sabalenka ride this wave of fan support to another victory at Indian Wells? Share your thoughts below!