Aryna Sabalenka turns emotional about wanting to spend more time with family after her father's untimely death

Aryna Sabalenka has opened up about the importance of keeping family close, a lesson she learned after her father's untimely demise. The Belarusian's father Sergey was an ice hockey player who passed away in 2019 at just 43 years old due to meningitis.

Sabalenka has made a perfect start to her 2025 season, clinching the Brisbane International title in the lead-up to her title defense at the Australian Open. The World No. 1 also graced the cover of Harper's Bazaar Australia ahead of her highly anticipated campaign, modeling stylish couture looks in a striking beach photoshoot.

Despite her remarkable success on and off the court, Aryna Sabalenka acknowledged her "sad story," admitting her regrets about not spending enough time with her late father. The 26-year-old also disclosed that she wished she could make more memories with her younger sister Tonechka amid the demanding tour schedule.

"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," Sabalenka said in her cover feature.

Sabalenka further emphasized the fleeting nature of time and highlighted the importance of making the most of the moments with her family and loved ones amid her "crazy" life.

"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 added.

Aryna Sabalenka: "I think my personality came from my father, I wish he would be still alive"

Aryna Sabalenka - Source: Getty

Aryna Sabalenka's father Sergey played an instrumental role in her tennis journey, having introduced her to the sport when she was six years old. In a press conference at the 2024 US Open, the World No. 1 also credited her late father for shaping her joyful personality and emotionally wished that he was still alive.

"I mean, I think my personality came from my father. I wish he would be still alive. I think we would have so much fun together right now," Sabalenka said.

Following her triumph at the 2024 US Open, the Belarusian revealed that her father's demise had fueled her determination to "put their family name in the history of tennis."

Aryna Sabalenka also made time to bond with her sister Tonechka after her win in New York, with the duo embarking on a trip to Greece with the World No. 1's boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis.