Aryna Sabalenka on Coco Gauff, Smashing Rackets & Perfecting Her Serve | What I’ve Learned | Esquire

Why It Matters

Sabalenka’s blend of mental discipline, supportive relationships, and balanced lifestyle provides a replicable model for elite athletes seeking sustained success and stronger brand partnerships.

Key Takeaways

• Take time after losses before press to avoid emotional missteps.
• Maintain a relaxed serve motion to maximize power and consistency.
• Surround yourself with trusted family and team for lasting support.
• Training with male players boosts intensity and physical development.
• Balance celebration and discipline to sustain peak performance.

Summary

In a candid Esquire interview, world‑number‑one Aryna Sabalenka opens up about the mental habits that underpin her four Grand Slam titles, from handling defeat to fine‑tuning her serve. She stresses the importance of pausing after a loss before facing the media, allowing emotions to settle so she can speak clearly and protect her reputation. The champion breaks down her on‑court routine: a relaxed toss, a clear target, and a smooth motion that lets tension flow through the racket, producing serves that regularly exceed 120 mph. She also credits training with male players for raising her physical intensity and cites her family and close‑knit team as the foundation of her off‑court stability. Sabalenka’s memorable lines—"Just let all of that tension and emotion go out through that racket" and "Never hold grief inside; it destroys you"—illustrate a philosophy that blends aggression with emotional intelligence. She describes a balanced lifestyle that includes occasional celebrations, disciplined preseason preparation, and a strong social‑media presence that humanizes the athlete. For peers and sponsors, her approach offers a blueprint: combine relentless physical preparation with a supportive network, manage emotions strategically, and maintain authenticity both on and off the court. Those who emulate these habits can enhance performance longevity and marketability.

Original Description

Aryna Sabalenka is one of the top tennis players in the world, but getting there wasn’t easy. In this episode of “What I’ve Learned,” she talks with Esquire Editor-in-Chief Michael Sebastian about losing control of her serve, what really happened after her match against Coco Gauff, and the lessons she learned from her father. From training with men to smashing rackets and balancing two completely different personalities on and off the court, Sabalenka shares how she learned to stay in the fight.

Read Aryna Sabalenka’s full Mavericks of Sports profile here: https://www.esquire.com/sports/a70884977/aryna-sabalenka-interview-2026/

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