What fuels Aryna Sabalenka’s fire on the court? You might expect a secret ingredient behind her dominating performances, especially after clinching five titles in 2024, including two Grand Slams at the US Open and Australian Open. This season, she kicked off with a triumphant win at the Brisbane International against Polina Kudermetova and made it to the third round of the Australian Open in Melbourne. How does she do it?!

The two-time defending champion advanced to the third round of the Australian Open 2025 with a solid comeback against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. After a shaky start in the second set, where she fell behind 5-2, Sabalenka turned the tide with clever drop shots and powerful groundstrokes. She fought back to take the lead at 6-5 and sealed the match with a winning score of 6-3, 7-5. It was an intense battle, but Sabalenka’s determination shone through as she celebrated her victory at Rod Laver Arena.

Curious reporters at the post-match press conference asked her about her pre-match meals. The question took the Belarusian by surprise. She responded, “Wow, I’ve never actually got asked this question. What do I eat before the matches? So, you want to know where my power comes from? Ah, there’s no secret, it’s just good genetics.” With her strong physique complementing her powerful serve, she emphasized that her diet doesn’t play a significant role.

She added, “I usually go for, if it’s an early match, I just stay with breakfast and I eat porridge and egg white omelet and then I have a snack like an hour and a half before the match. Like a protein bar with a coffee.” Guess she’s just built different!

While Sabalenka dominates on the court, she wraps up matches fairly quickly. Her longest match was at the 2022 National Bank Open against Coco Gauff, lasting three hours and 11 minutes before she sealed the victory. Although she doesn’t rely on specific foods for energy boosts, she is careful about what she eats beforehand. “Nothing special if I have to go for lunch,” she noted. “I stay pretty simple just to avoid the wrong situation so I stay with chicken and rice and some salad. And then in the evening, I go for meat.”

There you have it! The world No.1 has no secret weapon—just good genetics! Without her family’s support, she might not have even started tennis. Her father introduced her to the sport after they passed by some courts when she was young. Recently, she reflected on the importance of appreciating loved ones back home.

Sabalenka gets candid on getting a reality check after losing a parent

While Aryna Sabalenka’s father was the reason she joined tennis, he sadly didn’t get the chance to see her rise to the top. Sergey passed away in 2019 from meningitis, just as Sabalenka was making waves in doubles and finishing the year ranked No. 2. His death marked one of the most challenging chapters of her life, and even five years later, the pain of his absence lingers. Reflecting on this, the World No. 1 shares heartfelt advice about cherishing loved ones.

Feeling a void without her father present, she said in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, “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.” She began playing tennis at the age of six and became one of the world’s best players. During the initial years of her career, Sergey cheered for her during her professional debut in 2015. his passing at just 43 left Sabalenka with a deep sense of sadness.

Despite the loss, Sabalenka maintains her focus on tennis and keeping a close bond with her younger sister, Tonechka. Although tournament schedules often keep them apart, she values their relationship. In the interview, she offered wise advice: “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.”

Now she’s heading into the third round of the 2025 Australian Open on her quest to defend her title from the last two years. Will she conquer all once again and score a hat trick this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!