It feels like only yesterday that 2026 was getting underway and Aryna Sabalenka was preparing to play her first matches of the year. Her season began at the Brisbane International, where she had her first reason to celebrate after claiming the title with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Marta Kostyuk in the final. The win earned her first trophy of the season and the 22nd title of her professional career.

As the months went by, the Belarusian continued her journey on the tour, keeping her biggest goals of the season in sight. In October, her schedule took her to China for the Wuhan Open, a WTA 1000 event where she played her last match on October 14. Sabalenka fell to Ann Li 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), ending her run at the tournament and giving her some time to rest before returning to the court.

​Aryna Sabalenka trades the court for a few days at the beach

After months of competition, Sabalenka is making the most of her break by enjoying a setting far removed from the one that usually surrounds her during tournaments. On Instagram, the tennis star shared photos from her days by the sea, posing in a bikini and soaking up the sun away from the pressure of match play.

The pictures also offer a glimpse of a more relaxed side of the Belarusian, who is spending time with her friends and enjoying life's little pleasures during her time off. From beachside snapshots to moments with her friends and a few indulgences, Sabalenka seems determined to make the most of these days before returning to competition.

Sabalenka's next challenge

Sabalenka has another major test ahead: the WTA Finals, one of the final big events on her 2026 calendar. The tournament will take place from November 8 to 15 on the hard courts of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, United States, bringing together the top players of the season.