“Nike makes me feel special and unique”- Aryna Sabalenka recently expressed her feelings on how Nike makes her feel, emphasizing their long-standing relationship. Sabalenka holds an exclusive apparel deal with them as well as being honored alongside nine other female athletes from various sports in a special tribute by Nike as proof of support she’s had along her path towards success.
After mourning her father in 2019, Yulia provided Sabalenka with constant love and motivation, encouraging her to remain focused on pursuing her ambitions with determination. After successfully defending the Australian Open title against Qinwen Zheng, Sabalenka’s mother proudly displayed their trophy collection online while humorously longing for more victories to add their collection. In 2018, Sabalenka took home both titles at US Open; dedicating both victories to family as they shared in creating tennis history together.
Sabalenka’s achievements in the last year and a half earned her a spot on a special Nike T-shirt, celebrating influential women in sports. She expressed her pride and gratitude towards her mother on social media, emphasizing how dreams can indeed become a reality with support from the #NikeFamily. Furthermore, before the Australian Open, Nike paid homage to Sabalenka’s explosive gameplay style through a unique video advertisement, reflecting her powerful impact on tennis.
Nike also featured Sabalenka prominently in their Super Bowl commercial, further cementing her status as an athletic icon. But her journey hasn’t come without challenges: Sabalenka spoke openly of her anguish after an emotionally taxing loss at the Australian Open final and admitted the difficulty maintaining form due to exhaustion and focus issues since then.
Nike’s tribute may serve as a powerful reminder of Sabalenka’s talent and potential, helping her rediscover motivation and consistency as she seeks a successful comeback during 2019. Tennis world watchers closely anticipate her full recovery this coming year.