Off the runway and onto the court, Sabalenka returns to China Open

The stage has changed for Aryna Sabalenka. Just days after taking the runaway at Milano Fashion Week, she is now on stage at the China Open. 

“I feel fresh,” the four-time Grand Slam champion said on Tuesday. “I’m excited to play.” 

She certainly was excited last week, too. Sabalenka made her runway debut at the Milano Fashion Week. 

“I love the fashion world,” she said. “Walking the runway was one of my dreams. I feel like I checked this box. I really enjoyed it so much.” 

Before the event, Sabalenka reached out to model friends to get their advice. 

“Do not look in people’s face,” was the advice. “Just enjoy yourself!”

In January, Sabalenka became a Global Brand Ambassador for Gucci. Last week, she wore a custom-tailored turtleneck gown from Gucci’s 2026 pre-fall collection. 

She also found time to enjoy the atmosphere in Milan. 

“A lot of pizza and pasta, good food,” she said. “I really enjoyed my week there.” 

After a week immersed in Milan’s fashion and food scene, Sabalenka shifts her focus back to tennis. 

Before Milano Fashion Week, Sabalenka suffered a loss in the U.S. Open final to Elena Rybakina. The loss ended Sabalenka’s quest for a three-peat at the U.S. Open and her run of 99 consecutive weeks as the world’s No. 1. 

Sabalenka was honest about her disappointment, but with every cloud comes a silver lining. She comes into this year’s China Open feeling fresher and more motivated than in years past. Her early losses over the summer — she has made just two semifinals since March — meant fewer matches in her legs. 

"To be honest, I'm really excited to play the last three events of the year,” she said. "At the US Open it was kind of like the moment when I start to feel healthier and stronger. So I really enjoyed playing tennis. I got back to my mindset. Physically I got better.”

Sabalenka has enjoyed great success in China throughout her career, but she has yet to win the China Open, reaching the quarterfinals three times. She missed last year’s event but is excited to be back, where she is seeded No. 2 this year. After a first-round bye, she will face either Anna Bondar or Renata Zarazua.  

“I’m happy to be back,” Sabalenka said. “Cannot wait to start playing the tournament.” 

The runway helped her clear her mind from losing her No. 1 ranking. 

“Now I feel like I’m fresher,” Sabalenka said. “I’m kind of sad that we are in the last portion of the season.” 

Though Sabalenka will keep her focus on the court, there is one thing she is excited to do in Beijing. 

“I think I will go and shop,” she said with a smile. "I will ask probably Qinwen [Zheng] where to go. I feel like I can trust her recommendations."

We all know this devil wears Gucci. 

By Sierra Hanson