Sabalenka responds to criticism over her use of social media

Aryna Sabalenka is one of the favorites to lift the title at the WTA Beijing 2026. Despite losing her number 1 ranking and the final of the US Open to Elena Rybakina, the Belarusian tennis player has acknowledged that she has returned to her best level after several months of a game crisis. Additionally, she has spoken about her role as a model in Milan and has responded to critics who believe she spends too much time on social media.

At the US Open, Sabalenka had her ups and downs with a journalist who questioned her commitment to tennis due to how active she appeared on social media, something she did not appreciate. According to her, both worlds can complement each other perfectly, which is why she has chosen to turn a deaf ear to the opinions of those who only seek to take advantage of her low points in terms of results.

Sabalenka talks about her expectations for the Asian tour

To be honest, I am very excited to play perhaps the last three tournaments of the year. The US Open was, in a way, the moment when I started to feel healthier and stronger; I really enjoyed playing tennis. I regained my mindset and improved physically. I am very enthusiastic. The middle part of the season did not go very well; I faced difficulties with various aspects. At the US Open, I again enjoyed playing tennis because I felt good, both mentally and physically. Now I feel fresher. I'm a bit sad that we are already in the final stretch of the season, so I am looking forward to playing more matches and showcasing my tennis.

When did her form change?

Well, when you can truly trust your body, you feel a great relief. You feel better about going out there and fighting. I was really enjoying fighting again. I think that was the key moment. Mentality-wise, it made me strong again.

Physical level better than in previous years on the Asian tour

I must say that my seasons used to be more consistent; I played a lot of matches. That's why, when I arrived on the China tour, I could barely compete because I wasn't physically ready to play; it was as if I arrived at the end of the season just managing. This time, since I haven't played that many matches, I feel fresh. I am very eager to play.

Criticism for being active on social media

It's okay. I feel that people judge others based on their own feelings. That has nothing to do with us. Just because they think they couldn't do it doesn't mean we can't. For me, it has nothing to do with social media. People think: "Okay, she's on social media, so she’s not training." But in reality, you spend, I don’t know, 30 minutes a day there. I don't see how that could be a distraction. If you love it, if you enjoy it and want to share yourself on social media, you should do it. I’m at that stage where you realize that people are going to judge you anyway: whether you’re active or not, whether you are this way or that way... It’s as if you’re never good enough for them. I feel that... why should I care what they think? I couldn't care less (smiling).

Sabalenka talks about her role as a model in Milan

I love the world of fashion. I am fascinated by experiencing new things. Walking on the runway was one of my dreams; I feel that I have achieved that goal. I enjoyed it a lot. These types of experiences truly help me in my work to stay energized and enthusiastic; I don’t know, just to love my work, so to speak. Milan was great. There was a lot of training and many fashion-related activities, plus a lot of pizza and pasta... good food. I really enjoyed my week there.

Did she train while she was in Milan?

Of course. But you also have to practice for walking on the runway. I was very tense. I had to message all my model friends. I told them: 'Okay, girls, summarize in one message all the experience you've accumulated throughout your lives. I have to get it right.'

The best advice she received for walking the runway

To be honest, I received a lot of advice. I think the best advice is not to look people in the face; just enjoy the moment. I don't know. There are different tips on how to walk. I think the main one was not looking at people because you get distracted and freeze. I just walked, trying to make it to the end (smiling).

Plans in Beijing beyond playing tennis

I love being in Beijing. I feel like there are so many places to visit. But to be honest, I don’t have much time. Also, the place where we are staying seems quite far away, but I think I will go shopping (smiling). I will probably ask Qinwen Zheng where to go; I feel I can trust her recommendations.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka responde a las críticas por el uso de sus redes sociales