Aryna Sabalenka: First Belarusian on Time Magazine Cover

Aug 13, 2026

58 min

Aug 13, 2026 20:30

Aryna Sabalenka makes history as first Belarusian to grace Time cover

## Historic Achievement

Aryna Sabalenka has made history by becoming the first Belarusian to feature on the cover of Time magazine. The current world No. 1 in tennis shared insights about her career, challenges, and upbringing in Minsk during an interview with the publication.

## Beyond Tennis

Sabalenka expressed her desire to be remembered not only for her on-court achievements but also for her personality off the court. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between being a fierce competitor and having a fun, approachable demeanor.

## Record-Breaking Career

Her career milestones include joining an elite group of women who have held the No. 1 ranking for over 100 weeks, a list that features tennis greats like Serena Williams and Steffi Graf.

## Social Media Influence

Sabalenka's influence extends beyond the tennis court, boasting 7.2 million followers on TikTok and Instagram, making her one of the most followed active tennis players.

## Homecoming to Minsk

In July 2026, Sabalenka returned to her hometown of Minsk, where she visited her former school and inaugurated new tennis courts. She also conducted a masterclass for young players, marking an emotional return to her roots.

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