After a gruelling season and a costly defeat at the WTA Finals, tennis champion Aryna Sabalenka has chosen a rather dramatic way to unwind: swimming alongside sharks in the Maldives.
From Court Defeat to Ocean Depths
The four-time Grand Slam winner saw her season conclude with a straight-sets loss to Elena Rybakina in the Riyadh final. This result was particularly stinging as it denied Sabalenka a record-breaking £3.98 million payday, capping off a demanding year on the tour.
Seeking a complete escape, Sabalenka immediately flew to the Indian Ocean for a tropical retreat with her boyfriend, Brazilian entrepreneur Georgios Frangulis. Her holiday, however, quickly took an adventurous turn.
A Nervy Encounter in Paradise
Documenting her exotic trip on Instagram, the Belarusian shared a clip of a guided swim with several reef sharks. Wearing a yellow bikini and snorkel mask, Sabalenka was seen moving slowly through the shallow, crystal-clear water as the sharks passed perilously close.
In one particularly tense moment, she floated perfectly still while two sharks crossed directly underneath her. A third then approached from the side, but the tennis pro held her position with impressive composure throughout the encounter.
Reflecting on a Landmark Season
Despite the disappointment in Riyadh, Sabalenka leaves the tournament season with a strong sense of perspective. Following the WTA Finals, she stated, "After a while, I actually feel great. I lost, but she played amazingly. I think I did my best. It didn't work, but I'm leaving this tournament proud of myself and everything we've achieved this year."
She specifically highlighted the break as a chance for analysis, adding, "Now it's time to sit down in the Maldives, maybe drink some tequila and analyse my season, my behaviour and emotions."
This introspection follows a remarkable year where Sabalenka reached major finals in Melbourne, Paris, and New York, successfully defending her US Open title in September. She credits her improved emotional control as a key factor in her success, especially during her US Open defence. "There were a few moments when I was this close to just let it go," she admitted. "I was like 'C'mon now, you have to stay focused. Keep going, keep trying.' It's really helped me."
The 27-year-old is scheduled to resume her pre-season training in December, gearing up for the 2026 campaign, undoubtedly recharged after her daring Maldivian escape.
