Aryna Sabalenka Admits to 'A Lot of Regrets' Despite Dominant Run

World No. 1 issues 'stay away' warning regarding perfection after historic Sunshine Double sweep

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:51am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamic movement and energy of a tennis player in action, conveying the emotional complexity behind Sabalenka's recent success.Despite her recent dominance on the court, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka's candid admission of regrets offers a refreshing perspective on the personal challenges faced by elite athletes.Indian Wells Today

Fresh off one of the most dominant stretches of her career, including a historic Sunshine Double sweep, tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has offered a rare glimpse into her mindset off the court, admitting that she carries 'a lot of regrets.' Despite her recent on-court success, the world No. 1 struck a reflective tone in an interview, emphasizing that imperfection is essential to growth and warning others to 'stay away' from those without regrets.

Why it matters

Sabalenka's candid comments provide a unique perspective into the psyche of a dominant athlete, challenging the notion that elite performers are immune to self-doubt or regret. Her willingness to be vulnerable offers insight into the personal challenges faced by top-level competitors, even amidst periods of sustained success.

The details

Sabalenka's remarks came shortly after she completed a historic 'Sunshine Double,' winning both the Indian Wells and Miami Open titles in the same calendar year. This achievement capped off a nearly perfect month for the world No. 1, who entered April with a dominant 23-1 season record. At Indian Wells, Sabalenka secured her first-ever title in the California desert by defeating Elena Rybakina in the final, while in Miami, she successfully defended her 2025 title, becoming the first player since Ashleigh Barty to achieve the feat.

  • Sabalenka's comments were made in an interview with Esquire magazine shortly after she withdrew from the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart due to an unspecified injury.
  • Sabalenka is expected to appear at the upcoming WTA 1000 tournament, the Madrid Open, which runs from April 21 to May 3.

The players

Aryna Sabalenka

The current world No. 1 women's tennis player, who recently completed a historic 'Sunshine Double' by winning the Indian Wells and Miami Open titles in the same calendar year.

Elena Rybakina

The Kazakhstani tennis player who Sabalenka defeated in the finals of both the Indian Wells and Miami Open tournaments.

Naomi Osaka

The former world No. 1 tennis player whom Sabalenka defeated in the round of 16 at the Indian Wells tournament.

Victoria Mboko

The teenage tennis sensation whom Sabalenka defeated in the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells tournament.

Coco Gauff

The American tennis player whom Sabalenka defeated in the final of the Miami Open tournament.

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What they’re saying

“I have a lot of regrets. I think we all do. Mistakes make us better people.”

— Aryna Sabalenka

“It's tough to be the person without regrets and mistakes. You better stay away from those people.”

— Aryna Sabalenka

What’s next

Sabalenka is expected to compete at the upcoming WTA 1000 tournament, the Madrid Open, which runs from April 21 to May 3.

The takeaway

Sabalenka's candid admission of having 'a lot of regrets' despite her recent on-court dominance provides a refreshing perspective on the personal challenges faced by elite athletes. Her willingness to embrace imperfection and warn against the pursuit of perfection offers a valuable lesson about the importance of growth and self-acceptance, even at the highest levels of competition.