World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has responded to criticism on social media while enjoying a post-Wimbledon holiday in Greece, choosing humor as she addressed comments questioning her commitment to tennis.
The Belarusian star’s Wimbledon campaign came to an unexpected end in the fourth round after a straight-sets loss to Naomi Osaka.
Osaka secured a 6-2, 7-6 victory on Centre Court, handing Sabalenka her earliest Grand Slam exit since the 2022 French Open.
The defeat also marked the first time Sabalenka had been beaten in straight sets at a major tournament in 122 matches, extending her wait for a first Wimbledon singles title despite already owning four Grand Slam championships.
Honest Assessment After Tournament Exit
Following the loss, Sabalenka openly accepted responsibility for her performance and admitted she had fallen short of her own expectations.
Speaking to reporters after the match, the 28-year-old acknowledged she had “messed it up” this year and expressed hope of returning stronger next season.
She also joked that her immediate plans involved taking time away from tennis, saying she intended to “get completely drunk,” forget about the disappointment for a while, and focus on improving her physical condition before returning to competition.
Mykonos Holiday Offers Time to Recharge
After leaving London, Sabalenka traveled to the Greek island of Mykonos alongside her fiancé, Georgios Frangulis, and a group of friends for a relaxing vacation.
Throughout the trip, she shared several updates on social media, telling followers that she was “taking a minute to myself” as she enjoyed some well-earned downtime following an emotionally difficult tournament.
Social Media Videos Address Critics With Humor
While on holiday, Sabalenka posted a TikTok video in which she sarcastically reacted to criticism she said she had received online.
She referenced comments claiming she cared “more about TikTok than tennis,” did not deserve to be ranked World No. 1, and needed to improve her attitude.
Rather than responding angrily, Sabalenka thanked critics with an ironic caption that read, “Thank you guys for the advice!”
Another clip showed the tennis star dancing in a swimming pool with friends, taking a celebratory shot and joking that the carefree moments represented her “version of therapy.”
In another playful moment, she was seen pouring a drink into a friend’s mouth during the light-hearted gathering.
Challenging Grand Slam Season Despite Top Ranking
Although Sabalenka has remained at the top of the WTA rankings, the 2026 Grand Slam season has brought several frustrating results.
She reached a fourth consecutive Australian Open final earlier this year but finished runner-up after losing a three-set battle to Elena Rybakina.
Her French Open campaign also ended unexpectedly when Diana Shnaider defeated her in the quarter-finals.
Following that loss in Paris, Sabalenka admitted the disappointment had briefly made her feel like walking away from the sport before she regrouped for Wimbledon.
Focus Shifts Toward the Hard-Court Season
Despite the recent setbacks at the Grand Slam events, Sabalenka has enjoyed notable success elsewhere this season, capturing titles at both Indian Wells and Miami to complete the prestigious Sunshine Double.
After completing her holiday break, she is expected to return to competition during the North American hard-court swing, where she will attempt to defend her US Open crown.
Having lifted the trophy in both 2024 and 2025, Sabalenka will aim to continue her dominance in New York when the tournament begins in September.
