Just days after suffering a devastating defeat in the biggest payday in women's tennis history, world number one Aryna Sabalenka sought solace in an idyllic Maldivian paradise, sharing her luxurious two-week retreat with millions of social media followers.
From Court Defeat to Tropical Retreat
The Belarusian tennis star experienced heartbreak in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia less than a fortnight ago, falling to a straight-sets defeat against Kazakhstani star Elena Rybakina in the WTA Finals. The 6-3 7-6 (7-0) loss saw an eye-watering £3.98million prize slip through her fingers, marking one of the most costly defeats in women's tennis history.
Speaking after the match, a dejected Sabalenka vowed: "Now it's time to sit down in the Maldives, maybe drink some tequila and analyse my season, my behavior and emotions." True to her word, the four-time grand slam winner promptly jetted out to the five-star Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi with her boyfriend, Brazilian entrepreneur Georgios Frangulis.
Paradise Found: Sun, Sea and Sharks
Throughout her tropical fortnight, the 27-year-old athlete kept her 3.8 million Instagram followers updated with every aspect of her well-deserved break. Sun-soaked relaxation appeared to be the perfect tonic as Sabalenka shared images of herself reading on the beach, playing volleyball with Frangulis, and sipping drinks from coconuts by the Indian Ocean.
The holiday blended romantic moments with adrenaline-fuelled adventures. Sabalenka enjoyed glamorous date nights in stunning red and white dresses, yet assured fans she preferred casual wear, captioning one post "bikini > dress all week long". The tennis star also embarked on a hair-raising guided swim with reef sharks, maintaining remarkable composure as several sharks swam directly beneath her in the crystal-clear waters.
Career Highs Amid Tropical Skies
Despite the recent disappointment, Sabalenka had cause for celebration during her Maldivian escape. She announced her feature on the debut cover of Vogue Arabia's new Watches and Jewellery Special, adding professional triumph to her personal relaxation.
As the holiday drew to a close, Sabalenka shared wholesome moments of cuddling with Frangulis on the beach, maintaining her fitness with gym sessions, and watching spectacular sunsets. She penned a heartfelt tribute to the resort: "Just us. Thank you [Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi] for taking the best care of us and making paradise feel like home."
The world number one now prepares to face Nick Kyrgios in a 'Battle of the Sexes' exhibition match at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena on December 28. Sabalenka had previously vowed: "I genuinely think that I'm going to win, and I'll definitely go out there, and I'll try my best to kick his a**" - a statement that carries added weight following her successful US Open victory earlier this year.
