Aryna Sabalenka’s rise to the top of women’s tennis isn’t just about raw power and relentless aggression on the court—it’s a story deeply tied to her family. Behind every thunderous serve and fearless winner is a foundation built by her parents, her late father’s unwavering belief, and a tight-knit support system that keeps her grounded even as she dominates the sport. Let’s dive into the people who shaped Sabalenka into the world No. 1 we see today.
Previously, we touched on Aryna Sabalenka’s net worth.
The Sabalenka Family: Where It All Began
Aryna’s journey into tennis started with a simple car ride. Her father, Sergey Sabalenka, was driving her around their hometown of Minsk when he spotted a tennis court. On a whim, he pulled over and introduced his daughter to the sport. That spontaneous decision changed everything. Sergey, a former professional ice hockey player, knew the discipline and grit required to excel in sports, and he saw something in Aryna—even if she was reluctant at first.
Sergey wasn’t just a dad who pushed his kid into sports for the sake of it. He was her biggest motivator, the one who believed in her long before the world did. Tragically, he passed away in 2019 at just 43 years old due to meningitis, leaving a void in Aryna’s life. But his influence never faded. After winning the 2024 Australian Open, she tearfully dedicated the victory to him, saying, “We had one dream: that before 25, I would win a couple of Grand Slams.” She’s since surpassed that dream, but his presence is still felt in every match.
Then there’s Yulia Sabalenka, Aryna’s mother. Unlike Sergey, Yulia prefers to stay out of the spotlight, but her role in Aryna’s career is just as crucial. She’s the quiet force behind the scenes, offering emotional support and stability. While Aryna’s dad was the one who brought her to the courts, her mom has been the steady hand through the highs and lows—whether it’s a tough loss or a career-defining win. Yulia’s Instagram is filled with glimpses of family life, fashion, and pride in her daughter’s achievements, proving that even though she avoids the media, she’s always there.
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And let’s not forget Tonechka, Aryna’s younger sister. Though not much is known about her tennis career (yet), Aryna has given her shoutouts in post-match interviews, hinting that the Sabalenka tennis legacy might not end with her. If Tonechka follows in her sister’s footsteps, we could be looking at another powerhouse in the making.
Family, Love, and the People Who Keep Her Going
Aryna Sabalenka’s family isn’t just about blood relatives—it’s also about the people who’ve stepped into her life and become her support system. After the heartbreaking loss of her father and the tragic death of her former partner, ice hockey player Konstantin Koltsov, in 2024, Aryna found strength in new relationships. Enter Georgios Frangulis, a Brazilian entrepreneur and founder of the global açaí brand Oakberry. The two started dating in early 2024, and since then, he’s become a fixture in her player box, cheering her on at tournaments like the US Open and the French Open.
Frangulis isn’t just a boyfriend; he’s part of her inner circle, offering stability during the chaotic life of a tennis star. Aryna has openly credited him with helping her through tough times, saying he’s been her “biggest support” when injuries or emotional struggles threatened to derail her focus. It’s clear that, just like her parents, the people around her now play a massive role in keeping her mentally strong.
Then there’s her coach, Anton Dubrov, who’s been with her since 2020. Coaching Aryna isn’t just about refining her game—it’s about managing her fiery intensity. Dubrov has helped channel her raw power into controlled aggression, turning her into the consistent champion she is today. He’s not just a coach; he’s part of the family, someone who understands her emotions as much as her backhand.
The Bigger Picture: What Family Means to Aryna
For Aryna Sabalenka, family isn’t just a background detail—it’s the core of who she is. From her dad’s life-changing decision to introduce her to tennis, to her mom’s quiet strength, to her sister’s potential rise in the sport, to the love and support from her partner and team, every piece of her journey is tied to the people around her.
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Even her on-court demeanor—fiery, passionate, sometimes smashing rackets (despite her parents’ one request that she not do that)—reflects the intensity of her upbringing. She once joked that Eastern European tennis training is brutal, but it’s what made her mentally unbreakable. That toughness? It comes from her roots.
So the next time you watch Aryna Sabalenka demolish an opponent with her signature power game, remember: it’s not just her talent. It’s the family behind her, the love that fuels her, and the legacy she’s building—both for herself and for those who believed in her first.
