Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Women’s Singles – Round 2 – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 26, 2021. Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus walks off after losing her second round match against Donna Vekic of Croatia REUTERS/Mike Segar
The Belarusian tennis beauty, Aryna Sabalenka, is competing in the Stuttgart Open right now and doing her best to add another title to her record. While she is striving to give her all on the tennis court, having a familiar face cheering her on in the crowd inspired her to play well and advance to the quarterfinals.
This week’s Porsche Tennis Grand Prix has seen the Australian Open champion advance to her third consecutive semifinal. And without a doubt, she won in the quarterfinal round, all thanks to one factor in addition to her abilities. There was one spectator who inspired the 24-year-old tennis star to give her all.
Aryna Sabalenka shares her boyfriend’s inspiring presence during the quarterfinals
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
During her press conference following her victory over Paula Badosa in the quarterfinal, the world number two discussed the inspiration behind her progress in the tough quarterfinal match. Sabalenka highlighted that having her boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, present in the arena, changed the whole game for her.
via Reuters Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 8, 2021 Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka in action during her semi final match against Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova REUTERS/Paul Childs
She said, “I mean, yeah, his support is very important. Couple of times today on the match I was looking at him, and I saw him being very nervous. I was, like, No, I have to win this one, I don’t want see him. I don’t know, sad and thinking that it’s his fault that I lost because he came (smiling). So I was just like pushing myself even harder to win this match.”
Further, she also detailed how, at a point in the match, she was not playing up to her usual standar. But looking at her boyfriend’s sad face motivated her to take the win home. Nevertheless, it’s quite evident that the two superstars can’t seem to get enough of each other, and they’ve continued to make some sweet memories together so far.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Despite the Belarusian tennis star’s love for her 42-year-old boyfriend, it isn’t distracting her from her career ambitions.
Sabalenka’s love for her boyfriend isn’t a distraction
The Australian Open champion and Koltsov began dating in 2021. Since then, they have been going strong and deeply in love. However, love can be a major distraction at times, but not in their case. For Sabalenka, her love for the former professional ice hockey player is a huge motivation. With time, her relationship with the former professional sports star has helped her become better as a tennis player.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY – Venus Williams Still Remembers Her Humiliation At Sister Serena’s Hands
Notably, the French Open is the only Grand Slam tournament where the world’s second-ranked tennis player has struggled and performed inadequately. But, after witnessing her incredible form, she will definitely be in high spirits during the upcoming Roland Garros.