"Aryna Sabalenka's an icon, she's a legend, she's the moment" - Fans give their verdict after Belarusian features in maiden solo Nike commercial

Aryna Sabalenka showing her fiery side in her maiden solo commercial in Nike, has sparked discussions among tennis fans. Many have expressed excitement about seeing World No. 1 getting recognition from the sporting giants.

In the recently released commercial, Sabalenka donned a lime green Nike kit and hit tennis balls in the direction of a four-wheeler, which is on its way to being completely shattered. The Belarusian crushes it to the tunes of Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) by Nancy Sinatra and the commercial ends with the statement 'Good luck returning that'.

Aryna Sabalenka has been with Nike since the beginning of her career and fans were delighted to see the 26-year-old getting recognition from the sporting giants. One fan dubbed the World No. 1 as,

"She's an icon, she's a legend and she's the moment," the fan commented.

Another fan felt that Sabalenka was finally getting the recognition she deserved.

"Finally putting some respect on her name. Nike is so full of sh*t man," the fan said.

Here are some other reactions from tennis fans.

"I kinda want her to recreate Sharapovas I feel pretty advert," a fan wished.

"Good for her! I don’t particularly like the commercial, but I do like her getting a solo gig," a fan opined.

"That's your most marketable woman in all sports. Congrats Sabalee," a fan hailed.

"Finally Nike gives her the acknowledgment she deserves!!!" a fan mentioned.

Sabalenka has received her maiden solo commercial ahead of her title defense at the 2025 Australian Open. Interestingly, she'll be playing a former Grand Slam champion in the opening round itself.

Aryna Sabalenka will face Sloane Stephens in the opening round of the 2025 Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka with the Australian Open trophy in 2023 (Image Source: Getty)

Aryna Sabalenka will face the 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens to kick off her title defense. The former leads their head-to-head 4-0.

Stephens has struggled to reach the upper echelons of the tennis world over the last few years and had a disastrous start to her 2025 season as well. She kicked off her season at the ASB Classic in Auckland but was defeated by compatriot Ann Li, who overturned a one-set deficit.

Interstingly, the 31-year-old played Ann Li in the opening round of the Hobart International as well. However, this time the 24-year-old clinched a resounding 7-5, 6-1 win.

On the other hand, Aryna Sabalenka had a phenomenal start to her season with a triumphant run at Brisbane International by taking out the likes of Renata Zarazua, Yulia Putintseva, Marie Bouzkova, Mirra Andreeva, and Polinna Kudermatova.

Whoever out of Sabalenka or Stephens triumphs, will face either Jessica Bouzas Maneiro or Sonay Kartal in the second round of the Australian Open.