Aryna Sabalenka Faces Tennis Questions After Milan Fashion

Aryna Sabalenka swapped the tennis court for the catwalk this week, walking for Gucci at Milan Fashion Week just ten days after her US Open final defeat. The world No. 2's high-profile fashion appearance, where she also compared engagement rings with Cristiano Ronaldo's fiancée Georgina Rodríguez, has ignited a debate about her priorities following a season of Grand Slam near-misses.

Sabalenka's glittering brown Gucci gown at the Vogue World: Milano event on Tuesday, September 24, was a stark contrast to her on-court kit. She is a global ambassador for the brand, a role she took on in January. But for many fans, the timing felt off. The event came shortly after her three-set loss to Elena Rybakina in the US Open final on September 15, a match where her frustration was visible. Some supporters questioned online whether her fashion commitments are distracting her from the primary goal of winning majors.

Her form in 2026 is complex. She began the year as world No. 1 and compiled a stunning 23-1 record by March, becoming only the fifth woman to complete the rare Sunshine Double by winning Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back. Yet the Grand Slams told a different story.

For the first time since 2022, Sabalenka finished a season without a major title. She reached two finals but lost both to the same opponent. In Melbourne on January 31, Rybakina edged her 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. Nearly eight months later in New York, Rybakina did it again in another three-setter. These results ended Sabalenka's three-year streak of winning at least one Grand Slam per season. Analyst Caitlin Thompson has suggested rivals are figuring out her powerful game, though former player Rennae Stubbs maintains Sabalenka still has more majors in her.

The losses cost her the top ranking, adding competitive sting to the personal disappointment. Her career Grand Slam final record now stands at four wins and five defeats.

Patrick Mouratoglou, the former coach of Serena Williams, points to a familiar issue. He was at the US Open and did not mince words. "The emotional management of Aryna Sabalenka is not improving, and it's the only reason why she is not winning Grand Slams at the moment," Mouratoglou said. He compared her fiery on-court persona to John McEnroe's famous outbursts, contrasting it with the icy composure of Bjorn Borg. Mouratoglou believes that when her anger surfaces, "she loses her tennis."

This analysis frames her US Open final performance, where she was seen smashing a racket, not only as a bad day but as a recurring theme at the most critical moments.

Beyond the runway, a lighter moment captured headlines. At a Gucci show on Friday, September 25, Sabalenka and model Georgina Rodríguez were filmed comparing their engagement rings. "Can I take a picture of yours to send to mine?" Sabalenka asked, joking she needed to "show him what actually has to happen." Rodríguez got engaged to footballer Cristiano Ronaldo in August 2025, while Sabalenka accepted a proposal from Georgios Frangulis this past March. The encounter highlighted Sabalenka's life and connections beyond the baseline.

Her 2026 campaign, blending dominant early-season form with final-stage frustration, leaves her at a professional crossroads. The conversation is no longer just about her thunderous groundstrokes but about where her attention lies and whether she can master the mental game to add to her four major titles.

Key Takeaways from Sabalenka's 2026 Season

• Grand Slam Results: Reached finals at the Australian Open (lost to Rybakina) and US Open (lost to Rybakina), winning zero majors for the first time since 2022.
• Sunshine Double: Won both Indian Wells and Miami in March, achieving a 23-1 start to the year.
• Off-Court Profile: Walked for Gucci at Milan Fashion Week and compared engagement rings with Georgina Rodríguez, fueling debate about her focus.