Tennis is full of surprises, both on and off the court, and Aryna Sabalenka experienced an especially amusing one during a recent media interaction at the 2025 Italian Open. The Belarusian tennis star was left in splits after being told about a fan’s rather unexpected compliment — a comparison that linked her to ATP World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, but not in terms of athletic performance.
The moment unfolded as Sabalenka was speaking to the press during a pre-tournament media session in Rome. A reporter recounted a scene from an earlier practice session involving Jannik Sinner, where the Italian fan favorite was working out with Czech player Jiri Lehecka at the iconic Foro Italico. The crowd had gathered in large numbers to witness Sinner’s much-anticipated return to competitive tennis following a controversial three-month suspension.
While the focus for many was on the quality of his game and how well he had recovered, one fan in particular was clearly distracted by something else: Sinner’s looks. According to the reporter, the fan loudly commented that Jannik Sinner was “as handsome as Aryna Sabalenka” — a remark that instantly gained attention and laughter from those nearby. The reporter took this quirky observation to Sabalenka herself during her press conference and asked her if she was aware that she had become something of a beauty standard for the Italian public.
Sabalenka, known for her fierce competitiveness and commanding presence on the court, was momentarily caught off guard by the compliment. As soon as the comparison was shared, she couldn’t hold back her laughter. Her reaction, equal parts amusement and disbelief, lit up the room and brought a touch of levity to what is typically a high-pressure environment leading into a major tournament.
“It’s the first time I’ve heard something like this,” she chuckled, her eyes lighting up. “I don’t know what to say — I guess that’s a compliment?”
Her good-natured response was met with more laughter from the media in attendance, and it served as a reminder of how athletes, despite the intensity of their sport, are often part of broader cultural narratives that go well beyond their performance.
Sinner, for his part, remains under the spotlight as he returns to the court amid both high expectations and public scrutiny. The Italian Open marks his first official match play since serving a three-month suspension stemming from a still-controversial incident earlier this year. The pressure is high, but the support from his home crowd has been unwavering, as demonstrated by the turnout at his practice session and even the humorous way in which fans engage with his public persona.
The brief moment of levity between Sabalenka and the media highlighted the human side of professional tennis — a world not just defined by rankings and titles, but also by personalities, charm, and, occasionally, quirky fan comments. Whether Sabalenka will take the fan comparison as motivation or just a funny story to share remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the 2025 Italian Open is already serving up some unforgettable moments, both on and off the court.
What are your thoughts on this playful comparison — is Sinner giving Sabalenka a run for her money in the charm department?