{"id":44807,"date":"2026-04-08T13:51:06","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T13:51:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/?p=44807"},"modified":"2026-04-08T13:51:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T13:51:06","slug":"aryna-sabalenka-on-her-miami-open-win-pregame-rituals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/?p=44807","title":{"rendered":"Aryna Sabalenka On Her Miami Open Win & Pregame Rituals"},"content":{"rendered":"


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In Bustle\u2019s The Pregame, we ask athletes about their pregame rituals. Do they have any superstitions? How do they get in the zone? Here, we chat with the Aryna Sabalenka<\/a>, the world\u2019s No. 1 ranked singles player, about her warmup routine and good luck jewelry.<\/em><\/p>\n

When Aryna Sabalenka won the Miami Open on March 28, she celebrated in the most low-key way. \u201cWe had a pizza night with the team,\u201d the 27-year-old tells Bustle. \u201cWe were thinking about going out, but then decided it had been so intense, we just wanted to stay in together instead.\u201d<\/p>\n

The win followed her victory at the Indian Wells tournament in California<\/a> on March 15 \u2014 an achievement called the \u201cSunshine Double.\u201d Sabalenka is only the fifth woman to win both tournaments<\/a>, and she is now ranked No. 1 in the world<\/a>. If that doesn\u2019t deserve a pizza party, what does?<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was such a fun experience,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s a huge achievement, and I\u2019m super glad to get it done. That wasn\u2019t an easy one, and lucky me, I\u2019ve done it.\u201d Of course, winning is nothing new for the athlete, who has won multiple Grand Slam titles<\/a> and was ranked No. 1 in singles in 2023 and doubles in 2021<\/a>. She was also named the WTA Player of the Year<\/a> in 2025.<\/p>\n

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NurPhoto\/NurPhoto\/Getty Images<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

On the court, Sabalenka is known as \u201cThe Tiger\u201d \u2014 a reference to the tiger tattoo on her forearm and the commanding presence she brings to the game. The ink was referenced in an Electrolit commercial<\/a> featuring comedian Jeremy Culhane, who chases her down to show off his matching design. Sabalenka has been a brand ambassador for the electrolyte drinks<\/a> since August 2025.<\/p>\n

Going from Indian Wells to Miami, Sabalenka had to adjust from dry heat to humid temperatures on the fly. \u201cWe focused on my recovery, and as you know, hydration is the key,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

While Sabalenka may have her two new trophies, she\u2019s nowhere near done for the season. Next up is a tour through Europe for games in Stuttgart, Madrid, Rome, Paris, and Wimbledon, where she hopes to continue her winning streak. Here, the tennis star shares how she gets prepared to play and how she gets those perfect slicked-back buns.<\/p>\n

How do you get ready before a match? <\/h4>\n

I like to stay cool and chill with my team. We do everything we can to get mentally prepared and recharged. I need my batteries full, so I focus on what I\u2019m eating and drinking to reduce the risk of cramping.<\/p>\n

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\"Aryna<\/div>\n

Electrolit<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

How do you get in the zone mentally?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I listen to a nice mix of music. It can go from \u201990s to rap to house music and some hip-hop. I can\u2019t go through the same playlist over and over again.<\/p>\n

Do you have any good luck charms?<\/h4>\n

I have my evil-eye necklace and bracelet that I never take off. It protects me from bad energy.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s your warm-up routine on the court?<\/h4>\n

If I have an evening match, I always do a morning mobility routine. When we get to the site, I\u2019ll do another mobility routine <\/strong>that\u2019s more active with specific tennis exercises. When we go on court, I\u2019ll hit around, but I also like to take it easy. I don\u2019t like to be in a rush. <\/p>\n

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\"Aryna<\/div>\n

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What\u2019s your pregame beauty routine?<\/h4>\n

I start by cleansing my face. I use a toner, moisturizer, serum, then I put on sunscreen. <\/strong>I try to reapply it throughout the day because I\u2019m always exposed to the sun.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s part of the process of getting in the zone. <\/strong>When it\u2019s just me there in the mirror, taking care of my skin, it\u2019s kind of a meditation. Just a girly moment.<\/p>\n

You\u2019re known for your slicked-back bun. How do you perfect it?<\/h4>\n

I just did a tutorial about it on TikTok<\/a>. It\u2019s super simple. All you need is two hair ties and five pins to clip your baby hairs down. I don\u2019t like them to get in my way when I play.<\/p>\n

How do you choose your outfit?<\/h4>\n

I work with Nike, so I already know what I\u2019ll wear for each match. But for next season, I\u2019m trying to be part of the team designing my looks. For now, I try to express myself with jewelry. I try to make it all match and be shiny, bright, and cute.<\/p>\n

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\"Aryna<\/div>\n

NurPhoto\/NurPhoto\/Getty Images<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

If something goes wrong in a game, how do you get your focus back?<\/h4>\n

I bring myself back to the court and take it one step at a time. Sometimes I get super emotional, so I\u2019ll remind myself that I can\u2019t let it take away something I\u2019ve been dreaming about. I talk to myself a lot on the court. If you could hear me thinking, you\u2019d probably think, \u201cOK, this girl is not<\/em> OK.\u201d <\/p>\n

When playing, do you feed off the energy of the crowd?<\/h4>\n

I love the energy. This has always been my dream \u2014 playing in these big stadiums \u2014 so I love the support. Now I feel like people know me better, they support me more, and I feel that energy and I definitely use it as my power. It helps me a lot.<\/p>\n

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.<\/em><\/p>\n