Aryna Sabalenka has everyone's attention just in time for this year's BNP Paribas Open.
The No. 1 ranked player on the WTA Tour started off her 2026 season by winning the Brisbane International. She then reached the Australian Open final before losing 4-6, 6-4, 4-6 to Elena Rybakina.
“I played great until [a] certain point, and then I couldn’t resist that aggression that she had on court today,” Sabalenka said. “I don’t know if I have any regrets. Maybe I should have tried to be more aggressive on my serve, knowing that I have a break, and put pressure on her, but she played incredible. Today she was a better player.”
© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images.
Even though Sabalenka hasn't played in a tournament since the Australian Open, she generated plenty of buzz this week when she posted content from Milan Fashion Week.
Sabalenka, the newest ambassador for Gucci, went viral simply because she shared a video of her wearing a black top and fur coat.
"Sabalenka knows how to win on and off the court," one fan said.
"Such a queen," a second fan commented.
Tough draw for Sabalenka at Indian Wells.
A year ago, Sabalenka lost to Mirra Andreeva in the final of the BNP Paribas Open. If she's going to avenge that loss this March, she'll need to take down a loaded draw.
Sabalenka will most likely face Alycia Parks in the second round of the tournament. She could also face Iva Jovic in the Round of 16 and Amanda Anisimova in the quarterfinals.
We'll see if Sabalenka continues her dominance on the hard court.