Aryna Sabalenka Gets Selfie with Legends | Australian Open 2026

First Round Victory at Australian Open

• 👏 Aryna Sabalenka expressed her joy playing in Rod Laver Arena, calling it her "second home" and feeling "amazing" with the crowd's support.
• ✅ She secured a win in the first round of the Australian Open 2026, progressing to the next stage of the tournament.

Facing a Challenging Opponent

• 🎾 Sabalenka faced a tough opponent, a 20-year-old lefty new to the tour, about whom she knew little.
• 🧩 She admitted to a tricky start and not playing her best initially, but was happy to have found her rhythm by the end of the first set to close the match in three sets.

Encountering Tennis Legends

• 🌟 During her match, Rod Laver and Roger Federer (20-time Grand Slam champion) were present in the first row of the stands.
• 😅 Sabalenka confessed to being a "huge fan" and feeling significant pressure from their presence, admitting she was thinking "Don't watch. Don't look there." throughout the match.
• 📸 She openly asked if she could take a picture with them, highlighting the privilege of their attendance.

Handling Pressure and Future Goals

• 🏆 The interviewer congratulated Sabalenka on her world No. 1 ranking (74th week) and multiple Grand Slam titles, including two Australian Open wins in the last three years.
• 🎯 She was asked about the possibility of reaching a fourth consecutive final at Melbourne Park, a feat last achieved by Martina Hingis.
• 🌱 Sabalenka responded by emphasizing her focus on taking it one step at a time, bringing her best tennis, and enjoying her time competing.

A Memorable Selfie Moment

• ✨ Following her interview, it was confirmed that Aryna Sabalenka did indeed get her desired selfie with Rod Laver and Roger Federer.
• 📸 This moment was described as a "picture with a few majors in there," featuring "titans of the sport."