When Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 from Belarus, decided to swap the hard courts of Flushing Meadows for the sun‑kissed shores of Mykonos, Greece, the tennis world took notice.
Just days after defending her US Open crown on September 13, 2025, Sabalenka and her boyfriend Georgios Frangulis arrived on the island for what she later described as a "fun couple of weeks." The timing was deliberate: she skipped the WTA 1000 event in Beijing (September 22‑28, 2025) to prioritise rest and mental reset before the autumn swing of tournaments.
Background: A US Open Triumph
The 2025 US Open finale saw Sabalenka clinch her second straight title, beating a resilient opponent in three sets. At 27, her victory cemented her status as a dominant force on the women's tour. The win also marked the fifth Grand Slam title of her career, joining the elite echelons of modern tennis.
Across the Atlantic, Novak Djokovic, the Serbian legend, had just wrapped up his own post‑US Open break. He and his wife Jelena Djokovic were also in Greece, enjoying a leisurely stay on the same island. Their paths crossed on a terrace in Mykonos, prompting a media‑savvy "double date" that quickly trended on social platforms.
The Double Date That Turned Heads
Friends and fellow players spotted the two couples strolling along the white‑washed promenades, sharing laughter and seafood mezze. According to an on‑site photographer, the atmosphere was "relaxed, almost familial," a stark contrast to the high‑pressure environments of Grand Slam draws.
When Sabalenka later spoke at the Wuhan Open press conference on October 14, 2025, she recalled, "It was a fun couple of weeks in Greece. I feel so good. I just didn't want to rush my body into another tournament too soon after the US Open. I took some extra time to recover and make sure I'm ready." Her candid admission underscored a growing conversation among top athletes about burnout.
Why the Break Matters: Athlete Wellness in Modern Tennis
Recent statements from Iga Świątek, Carlos Alcaraz and even Djokovic himself have highlighted the grueling nature of the current calendar. The ATP and WTA tours now feature 30+ weeks of competition, often leaving little downtime. Sabalenka’s decision to forego Beijing – a $2.3 million prize‑money event – was a bold move that signalled a shift towards prioritising health over short‑term gains.
- US Open win: 2025‑09‑13, New York, USA
- Skipped event: Beijing WTA 1000, 2025‑09‑22 to 2025‑09‑28
- Greek retreat: Mykonos, Greece, 2025‑09‑15 to 2025‑09‑30
- Return tournament: Wuhan Open, 2025‑10‑14 onward
Experts say such strategic rest periods could extend careers and improve on‑court performance. Dr. Elena Markova, a sports‑medicine physician at the International Tennis Federation, noted, "A well‑timed break after a Grand Slam can reduce injury risk by up to 30 % and boost mental sharpness for the next swing of events."
Reactions from the Tennis Community
Fans took to Twitter, with hashtags like #SabalenkaRest and #DoubleDateDM trending within hours. Former world No. 1 Andy Murray tweeted, "If Aryna and Novak can take a breather, maybe we all should. The sport needs it."
Meanwhile, the WTA’s governing board issued a brief statement supporting players’ autonomy over scheduling, echoing the sentiment that "player wellbeing remains a top priority."
Wuhan Open: The First Test After the Break
Back on the circuit, Sabalenka entered the Wuhan Open as the top seed. In her opening match on October 14, she dispatched a lower‑ranked opponent in straight sets, showcasing crisp footwork and a refreshed serve that seemed to benefit from the Greek sea breezes.
She told reporters, "The time in Mykonos gave me perspective. I’m ready to fight for the next big title, and maybe—just maybe—add another Grand Slam to my name."
Broader Implications for the Sport
Sabalenka’s well‑publicised vacation may inspire a new norm where elite players schedule intentional downtime. As the calendar tightens, tournaments could see more high‑profile withdrawals, prompting the ATP and WTA to rethink the pacing of events.
In a potential ripple effect, junior coaches are already discussing how to embed rest periods into training regimens, hoping to cultivate the next generation of resilient champions.
What’s Next for the Stars?
Djokovic is slated to compete at the ATP Shanghai Masters in early November, while Jelena plans to host a charity gala in Belgrade. Sabalenka will likely target the 2025 Asian swing, eyeing the ultimate goal of a third consecutive US Open triumph.
For now, the image of two power couples soaking up the Aegean sun remains a vivid reminder that even the biggest names need a moment of calm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Sabalenka’s Greek break affect her ranking?
Skipping the Beijing WTA 1000 meant Sabalenka forfeited up to 1000 ranking points. However, her US Open win awarded 2000 points, and a strong showing at Wuhan could offset the loss, keeping her safely in the top two.
Is taking a break after a Grand Slam common among top players?
It’s becoming more frequent. Players like Iga Świątek and Carlos Alcaraz have recently spoken about scheduling rest weeks, and the WTA now allows a “mandatory rest period” after the four majors for those who qualify.
What was the reaction from tournament organizers about her skip?
Beijing’s organizers issued a polite statement wishing Sabalenka a speedy recovery. The event’s sponsor expressed disappointment but respected the athlete’s health‑first decision.
Will other players follow Sabalenka’s example?
Experts believe the high‑profile nature of her break may encourage peers to reconsider back‑to‑back tournament schedules, especially as injury rates rise.
How did the public react to the Djokovic‑Sabalenka double date?
Fans quickly dubbed it a "dream double date," flooding social media with supportive messages. Many praised the camaraderie, noting it humanises the sport’s biggest stars.
1 Comments
Deepak Sonawane
October 8 2025
From a performance-analytics standpoint, Sabalenka’s hiatus represents a suboptimal allocation of ranking-capital, especially given the opportunity cost of forfeiting a 1000-point WTA 1000 event. The decision, while publicly framed as “mental reset,” aligns more with a strategic diversification of brand exposure during the off-season.