Is there anything more important than family? Well, the answer, most certainly, in everyone’s case will be no. And the Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka is no different. The loss of her father in 2019 marked one of the most challenging chapters of her life. Even five years later, the pain of his absence lingers, shaping Sabalenka’s perspective on life and success. Reflecting on that, the World No. 1 one shares heartwarming advice, highlighting the value of loved ones.

Sabalenka kicked off her 2025 season in style, clinching the Brisbane International trophy. She overpowered Polina Kudermetova in the final by 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to win the tournament. It’s a morale-boosting win for Sabalenka just ahead of the 2025 Australian Open. The Belarusian also had a great 2024 season with two major titles- one at the Australian Open and the other at Flushing Meadows. She also ended the season as the World No. 1. However, even after so many accomplishments, Sabalenka remains sad.

Sabalenka’s life feels like a void without her father, who accidentally passed away in 2019. “It’s kind of a sad story, but right now I wish I could spend a little more time with my dad, and more time with my sister,” said the Belarusian in an interview with Harpers Bazaar. Sabalenka’s father Sergey was Sabaenka’s pillar of strength. He was the one who introduced her to tennis with the dream that she would go on to become one of the world’s best players.

Sabalenka’s father cheered for his daughter when the Belarusian made her debut in professional tennis in 2015. However, Sergey couldn’t live long enough to see his dreams become reality. He died at 43, without having witnessed Sabalenka dominate the tennis scene. It left a deep sense of sadness inside Sabalenka.

On the other hand, Sabalenka has a younger sister named Tonechka, with whom she shares an adorable bond. Previously the Belarusian athlete shared many social media updates with her sister. However, the constant pressure of hectic tournament scheduling now hardly lets her spend time with Tonechka.

Reflecting on life lately, Sabalenka dropped a wise suggestion for everyone. “Time flies and you never know what’s gonna happen tomorrow. It’s really important to be close to your family, and to spend more time with your family, because life is crazy, and you have to appreciate what you have,” she said.

Sabalenka’s personality also reflects her perception of life. Last year, she was asked in an interview about the secret behind her bubbly and lively personality. Her response echoed her love for her father and their strong bond.

Aryna Sabalenka wishes her father “could be still alive”

Sabalenka herself credits her father for her interest in tennis. In an interview previously, the Belarusian said, “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. That’s how it started.”  She further revealed that it was the sport that helped her overcome her father’s demise. “Once, I lost my father and tennis helped me to go through that tough loss. So at that moment [of Koltsov’s death] I thought I had to just keep going, keep playing, keep doing my thing to separate my personal life from my career life.” 

Sabalenka reckons her personality comes from her father as well. “I wish he would be still alive. I think we would have so much fun together right now,” the world no. 1 says.

Aryna Sabalenka’s view on life after her father’s demise tells how much she misses him. While she mesmerizes everyone with her skills, her personality also remains an inspiration for many highlighting how behind her eccentric smile, there remains a pain that she overcomes with her hard work and dedication for the sport.