{
  "id": 762985,
  "title": "How Aryna Sabalenka Became the Most Compelling Player in Tennis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/how-aryna-sabalenka-became-the-most-compelling-player-in-tennis",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-13T12:00:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Time",
    "slug": "time",
    "url": "https://time.com/article/2026/08/13/aryna-sabalenka-interview/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Aryna Sabalenka, the world's top-ranked women's tennis player, has transformed her image from a partying socialite into an unfiltered, aggressive, and unafraid champion. After losing her first straight-set defeat at a major in nearly half a dozen years at Wimbledon, Sabalenka admitted to having a couple of drinks and dancing after the match. However, she clarified that she never gets drunk and that the comment was to forget about tennis and try to get better. Since then, the 28-year-old has taken a vacation to Greece, posted her leisure activities on social media, and launched a YouTube series called Aryna's Arena. Despite some unimpressed observers, Sabalenka remains relaxed and happy, maintaining a balance between her on-court aggression and off-court charm. She believes it's essential for kids to understand that they should balance their dreams and not be solely focused on them. With the U.S. Open main draw beginning soon, Sabalenka, who has already won one of the Grand Slams, is in a prime position to fulfill her aspirations and potentially become the first player since Serena Williams to three-peat at the U.S. Open.",
  "summary": "Sabalenka is aiming to become the first player since Serena Williams to three-peat at the U.S. Open.",
  "key_points": [
    "Aryna Sabalenka transformed image from socialite to unfiltered champion.",
    "28-year-old took vacation to Greece and posted leisure activities online.",
    "Aspiring to become first player since Serena Williams to three-peat at U.S. Open."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Sabalenka's evolution from partying socialite to confident champion shows she can balance on-court ferocity with off-court charm, potentially setting a new standard for young players.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}