Aryna Sabalenka has transformed herself into the WTA’s best player.
Since 2023 she has won three Grand Slam titles and in 2025 she has reached the final in seven of the 12 events she has entered so far this season.
That could become eight if the Belarusian reaches the championship match at Wimbledon, something she has yet to achieve.
Much attention and scrutiny comes from being the WTA’s top-ranked player and Nick Kyrgios has now shared his thoughts on the three-time Grand Slam champion.
Nick Kyrgios says how ‘gentle’ Aryna Sabalenka is off the court
Aryna Sabalenka is known for the fierce and intense competitive nature she brings to the court.
Her loud grunts, roars of emotion, and cries of anguish after making an error make the 27-year-old one of the most expressive players on tour.
‘But according to Kyrgios, Sabalenka’s personality is very different off the court, as he recalled the time he spent with her on his podcast.
“She has the ability to become one of the greatest to ever play, for sure. What I love about Sabalenka, where I can relate, is that she is so different on and off the court,” Kyrgios told talkSPORT.
“When she is on the court she is incredibly intense, she is fierce, she has a big game. She is almost scary.
“But off the court she is gentle. She came on my podcast and I really got to know and connect with her at a human level and she is really funny, she is nice and she was telling me that she wanted to change that perception.
“People thought she was always like that on court but she’s actually lovely off the court. I have been very lucky to even have a chat with some of these players and she is one of the best players in the world and I’m like why are you listening to the questions I’m giving you!”
Who is Aryna Sabalenka’s next opponent?
Sabalenka’s quest for Wimbledon success continues when she takes on Emma Raducanu.
The British number one reached Round Three at Wimbledon after an impressive win against former champion Marketa Vondrousova, following up on her opening victory against fellow Briton Mingge Xu.
Sabalenka has won her only previous meeting against Raducanu at the 2024 Indian Wells Masters.
But now playing on grass in front of Raducanu’s home fans, this promises a compelling encounter with a spot in the round of 16 on the line.
“The last few years she’s just been so consistent and solid,” said Raducanu ahead of facing Sabalenka. “I just have to try to control my side as best as possible and, I guess, be smart.
“But, at the same time, I need to take my chances if I have any because I can’t play passive against her. She can take the racquet out of your hand and just dominate if you give her that chance.”
