← On Purpose with Jay Shetty
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
US OPEN CHAMPION Aryna Sabalenka EXCLUSIVE: Transforming Doubt, Pressure & Loss into HUGE Success
01:11:37
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- [00:00]
Aryna Sabalenka
This is an iHeart podcast.
- [00:06]
Jay Shetty
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- [02:16]
Aryna Sabalenka
There have been heartbreaking losses for Sabalenka this year.
- [02:19]
Jay Shetty
For all of the emotions she felt that she was composed richly deserved Win.
- [02:25]
Aryna Sabalenka
Arena Sabalanga gets to her Grand Slam title and endeavor U.S. open Trustee the.
- [02:37]
Jay Shetty
Number one health and wellness podcast.
- [02:39]
Aryna Sabalenka
Jay Shetty.
- [02:40]
Jay Shetty
Jay Shetty.
- [02:41]
Aryna Sabalenka
The one, the only Jay Shetty.
- [02:45]
Jay Shetty
Aryna Samulenka. Congratulations. I am so excited to have you here. I've been looking forward to this for such a long time. I got to be at the game on Saturday. You were absolutely incredible. I can't believe we have you here 48 hours after you just won this incredible trophy. The US Open women's final is unbelievable. Congrats and thank you for doing this.
- [03:08]
Aryna Sabalenka
Thank you for having me. I think I'm more excited than you. I've been watching your podcast and following you for first, I don't know for how long, so I'm probably more excited than you.
- [03:19]
Jay Shetty
That feels really good to me. The fact that you watch it means the world to me. But honestly, I've been really excited watching you live. There was nothing like it. The attitude, the personality, the amazing sportsmanship. Like, just incredible play. It was fantastic to watch, truly.
- [03:35]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah, it was. It was a great match, and I really, really happy that you enjoyed watching it. And, yeah, you had fun.
- [03:41]
Jay Shetty
How does it feel when you're winning Grand Slam after Grand Slam, this is the second time you've won the US Open in a row. Does it feel different from the first time? Does it feel the same? Like, what goes through your mind and.
- [03:51]
Aryna Sabalenka
Heart, like, every time you win the Grand Slam? Every time is an incredible feeling. And every time, it's just. You feel like it's the biggest thing that happened to you. And I feel like it all depends on the situation in life and stuff, because this season I struggle a lot. So I feel like this time, it feels like. Like it happened for the first time, you know, like, it's like my first Grand Slam. So it's a big moment, and I feel, like, relieved after. After getting this. This beauty.
- [04:22]
Jay Shetty
Absolutely. Thank you for bringing it here. This is amazing. I love it. This is the first trophy ever on. On purpose. A special.
- [04:29]
Aryna Sabalenka
Happy to be the first one.
- [04:31]
Jay Shetty
What were you. What were you struggling with this year? Like, when you say, like, I was struggling this year, that's why it feels like a relief. What were you struggling with? Like, what were you going through?
- [04:38]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah, I mean, I played early in the season. I played two Grand Slam finals in Australia and in Paris, and I lost those two finals. And I, like, they consider me favorite, so I kind of, like, you know, I thought that I felt, like, okay, it's coming my way. I was so excited. But then I would lose in the final, and I was sort of, like, really sad and, like, it was really tough to go through those tough lessons, tough losses, and. And getting this. This trophy means a lot. It means that I learned the lesson and became a better player. I have better control over my emotions, and I'm super happy that I was able to win this trophy.
- [05:16]
Jay Shetty
Obviously, you've just won, and we'll talk about that. I want to know, what do you do when you lose? Because losing is so much harder. It's so much more painful. It hurts so deeply. What do you do? Do you analyze the game? Do you feel angry? Like, what are the emotions that you go through when you've lost? A game lost, a final.
- [05:34]
Aryna Sabalenka
A final. You know, I think it's all about, like, losing in the final. It hurts more because, you know, you're getting so close to your dream, and then it's like. It feels like it's sort of like slips away, if I can say like that. So you. You're really depressed. And me personally, I want to leave the place as soon as possible, just so I, like, forget it. But then I need, like, some time to sit back, to analyze, to, like, you know, to. To actually learn the lesson. So it takes some time to process the losses.
- [06:07]
Jay Shetty
How long before you can watch the game back when you've lost?
- [06:10]
Aryna Sabalenka
I have to be honest. I. I never watched my, like, finals that I lost. I let my team do that and bring me on the plate. Okay. You, like, you did this, this, and this wrong. I know, like, mentally, emotionally, what I did wrong and where I made the mist, the way I approached the final, or what was my mindset. I know this part, but, like, the tennis part. I let my team figure it, then they bring it. They tell me. I remember because I don't want to watch it. I don't want to see myself there losing. And of course, like, the finals that I lost earlier this season, I was, like, not behaving my best, and I hate seeing myself being not the kindest person, so I never watch my.
- [06:55]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, that's really interesting. I. I also imagine when you're watching yourself back, it can kind of make you repeat that behavior sometimes as well. Like, it's like if you. Yeah, if you watch something closely enough, you almost, like you keep pushing the wound. It's like you keep pressing on. If that makes sense.
- [07:11]
Aryna Sabalenka
Exactly. You just want to learn it, you know, like, make sure that it's never gonna happen again and forget it. Like, Like a nightmare. Because. Yeah, I feel like watching it back, it just triggered that, you know, that. That pain and wanted to forget badly. So I feel like for me, for. For my mental health, it's better not to watch it.
- [07:32]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. Who's the first person after you win or lose that you want to talk to, that you want to hug, that you want to call? Like, who's is the.
- [07:39]
Aryna Sabalenka
I run to my team straight away. I run to my team because I know the. The work they. They. They put it in for this win. So I run there, and I. I hug my boyfriend first, of course, then my team, and because I know how much of. Of a work they've done to. To make sure that I'm able to compete on such high Level. And then. And then I messaged my family.
- [08:04]
Jay Shetty
Nice. Yeah. Let me. Talk to me about. We were just talking about this offline. You were just saying, you know, this morning you're on the Today show. Like, I'm sure you have a million interviews to do today. It's been 48 hours since you've won. But, like, people forget that these tournaments are played in, like, these really tight time frames. Like, this was two weeks, right? U.S. open.
- [08:23]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah, two weeks.
- [08:23]
Jay Shetty
It gets really intense. You're playing all these games, multiple sets, really challenging. Like, the pressure's all compressed into this short timeline. Like, talk to us about the preparation as a team, as an individual, for the intensity of the two weeks that the games are being played in.
- [08:41]
Aryna Sabalenka
Well, yeah, I mean, we also have tournaments that leads to the. To the Grand Slam. And then you have, like, a week before the Grand Slam where you come to the place where you're going to compete and you practice training. But also you have a lot of, like, brands, dinners, like, meetings, some interviews as well. So people doesn't know that before the Grand Slam, there is like a week, really busy week, full of meetings, dinners, and this kind of stuff, which is also not easy to handle. And also your training during that period and then the tournament starts. And there is another pressure. Pressure, which you deal with. But the preparation, it's all about, you know, of course, physically there is, like, tennis, there is gym, there's fitness, all of this stuff. But also mentally, you're preparing yourself for, like, really tough two weeks. Two weeks of great tennis, hopefully, because you never know. But also two weeks of fighting, like, fighting for your dream. And, like, mentally, you have this constant conversation in your head. Like, you're gonna do that. You're capable of it. You're strong enough. So you're like, really? I feel like if someone would hear, like, my conversation in my head throughout, like, this three weeks period, they would think that, okay, this is something, like, something wrong with this person because it's constant conversation.
- [10:06]
Jay Shetty
Talk to us about that self talk. Because I think we forget that right now we're all so obsessed with the conversation online. Like, we're looking at what Twitter's saying. X is saying. We're looking at what social media. On social media. And then you forget.
- [10:20]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah.
- [10:20]
Jay Shetty
That the real conversation is happening inside the champion's head.
- [10:23]
Aryna Sabalenka
Exactly.
- [10:24]
Jay Shetty
Walk us through what that conversation looks like. What are the ups and downs? What are the shifts in that inner dialogue?
- [10:30]
Aryna Sabalenka
Well, I mean, I think it's absolutely normal to feel nervous before big tournaments, and I think that Every athlete feel nervous. Every athlete adapting his. I don't know, ability. Will he be able to do that again? Or, like, how it's gonna go? Because you never know. Like, sport is such a beautiful thing that you go out and you don't know how you're gonna feel. Will the. Will the game works. Like, will, will you feel great or better or what. What you. You'll have to deal with because, you know, people look from the outside and that doesn't. Doesn't know. For example, I don't feel my surf. Like, I don't. Like, I feel uncomfortable doing something on court, and I have to, like, deal with that. So before the tournament, I prepare myself that I am ready to handle anything. Like, I'm just talking that it's normal. I'm just trying to kind of, like, settle those. Those, like, thoughts in my head, not by trying to, like, make them go away, because I feel like the moment when you try to make things go away, they actually, like, growing more, and it's, like, more, and it's not easy to handle. So I'm just trying to tell myself it's okay to feel that it's okay to think that it's absolutely okay. Everyone thinks that it's all about you going out there and fighting no matter what, and, like, constantly having this conversation in your head throughout two weeks. It's tough. Yeah, it's tough, but I kind of, like, love it.
- [11:54]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. Yeah. You've learned to enjoy it.
- [11:57]
Aryna Sabalenka
No, I'm just so grateful to have opportunity to experience all of that. Not everyone have this opportunity in life, so I'm just so grateful. And big opportunities is also like, big responsibility, big pressure. But not everyone have that opportunity, so you got to be grateful for that.
- [12:18]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. That's beautiful. I. You reminded me of that famous quote that says what you resist persists.
- [12:24]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah.
- [12:24]
Jay Shetty
The idea that if you're trying to get rid of a thought or trying to get rid of a feeling, it just expands.
- [12:30]
Aryna Sabalenka
Exactly.
- [12:30]
Jay Shetty
And it takes up more space. And as soon as you accept it. Yeah, you're fine. When you reject it, it just gets bigger. It gets harder.
- [12:37]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah. Rejection. That's not the key.
- [12:38]
Jay Shetty
Absolutely. When. When you accept that. Of course. And of course, it's natural to feel nervous. Of course.
- [12:43]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah.
- [12:44]
Jay Shetty
Everyone's feeling uncomfortable, everyone's feeling stress. All of a sudden, it kind of calms you.
- [12:49]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah.
- [12:49]
Jay Shetty
Whereas when you think that, oh, I'm the only one.
- [12:52]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah.
- [12:52]
Jay Shetty
Everyone else looks so calm and confident, but I'm stressed out. That's why we all get.
- [12:56]
Aryna Sabalenka
I think that Was my, like, my main mistake when I was just, like, starting playing tennis, I thought that I'm the only one who feel that, and I would, like, focus too much on that. So I would forget about, like, my opponent, and I would struggle a lot at the beginning of my career. But then the moment when I realized, like, and I. That everyone experienced that, and I started seeing that in my opponent, and I was like, okay, then it's normal. Then we're both in the same situation. We're both dealing with the same things, and it's all about who's gonna do that better. So it's actually like a trick, I feel like, like, mind trick. Like, just accept it.
- [13:33]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. What. What's the. What's the hardest thing about being a champion? About being number one for you?
- [13:40]
Aryna Sabalenka
I don't know. I don't know what's harder. I mean, I think there is nothing, like when you call someone, like, champion, when you hear the champion, it's like, how can I actually complain about anything? If you won a trophy, there is nothing to complain about.
- [13:57]
Jay Shetty
I loved when you came out after you've won and you had the champagne bottle. I was like, that sponsor must be really happy Arena. I was like, that was the best reaction ever.
- [14:10]
Aryna Sabalenka
I should have came with the tequila because I sponsored by Tequil with champagne. But, you know, you gotta celebrate it. You gotta enjoy it, because, you know, the hard work is done. Now it's time to, you know, celebrate it.
- [14:26]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. Yeah. I was think. I was thinking about the moment. I don't know if you remember that tournament where Ronaldo hid the Coca Cola and he put the water up. Did you ever see that interview? So this is a press conference a few years ago, and it was Cristiano Ronaldo, football player, and they'd put Coca Cola in front of him, and he put it away, and he said, drink water. Don't drink Coca Cola. And Coca Cola stock price went down that day. Like, it was crazy. So I was like, you just took Moet Champagne's, like, stock price must have, like, gone up and probably need to check it out. Yeah, the ski goggles, too. I was like, it was amazing.
- [14:58]
Aryna Sabalenka
It was so funny. I didn't know that I'm gonna look that funny.
- [15:01]
Jay Shetty
It looked great.
- [15:02]
Aryna Sabalenka
It just came straight from the locker room where they sprayed, like, I don't know how much a bottle of champagne on me. It was a fun moment.
- [15:09]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. I think celebrate. Do you know what? I was so happy to hear you say I want to celebrate. I want to have fun. Because I think we forget. And sometimes you need to see the number one person in the world say, I need to celebrate. Because I think this applies to everyone wherever you are at your stage in life. We don't celebrate any milestones.
- [15:29]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yes.
- [15:30]
Jay Shetty
And then when you don't see the people at the top celebrate, you kind of think, oh, well, what permission do I have to celebrate? So I feel like you gave everyone permission to say, you know what? It's okay.
- [15:39]
Aryna Sabalenka
You have to. Exactly. You have to celebrate. Absolutely. Especially when you, in my case, like, losing the finals, losing some tough matches, dealing with some struggles, when you finally able to win something big for you, I think it's important to celebrate that moment because you never know when this moment gonna happen again. So you have to celebrate. Doesn't matter in which industry in life you are, whatever achievement you achieve, you have to go and just have a little moment for yourself.
- [16:11]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. Do you. Do you take a moment to yourself as well, to celebrate on your own? Like, what does that look like? What does that personal celebration look like?
- [16:18]
Aryna Sabalenka
I usually celebrate with my team, with the people around me, because, you know, it's not like it was done only by me. You know, I've done it with the help of people. So I feel like it's. It's not only my trophy, it's our trophy, but my celebration is, like, one again. In my head, I just tell myself, okay, I'm proud. Proud to. To be able to handle. Have this trophy.
- [16:42]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. I think it's important to have that inner celebration as well.
- [16:46]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah.
- [16:46]
Jay Shetty
Because I love that you just said that. I. Sit down. Go. I'm proud to have this trophy. Like, I feel like we're constantly looking for validation outside. And when you win something like this, of course, the whole world that loves tennis and loves you is validating you, which is a beautiful feeling, of course. But I love that you said that. You actually sit there and say, I'm proud of this trophy for myself, because I feel like that inner validation is something no one can take away from you, something that stays with you long after.
- [17:11]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah. Because, like, only I know, like, what I had to go through, how tough it was and how it all started, and, you know, like, this is important to, you know, appreciate it.
- [17:24]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, it's beautiful. I want to go back, Irina, because I feel like I was watching a lot of your interviews when I was preparing for this, and I know we've been messaging for a while on Instagram, too. And so I was thinking about it, I was like, I actually don't think a lot of People know your journey and know your story that deeply. I think people know a little bit here and there, but on. On purpose, that's what we like to do. We love to know how people found their purpose, became. Yeah. Became who they were. And so I wanted to ask you, like, what is a childhood memory that you have or a memory that you can recall that you feel defines who you are today that has impacted the person that you are today?
- [18:00]
Aryna Sabalenka
You know, I have so many great memories, but I remember watching my dad being really, like, funny guy. The guy who would just, you know, make everyone feel happy and smile, and I would. I remember I would just look at him and think, oh, my God, I want to become this kind of person being, like, just like a positive person. Like, the person who brings, like, positive vibes everywhere she goes. So I think that's why I'm, like, quite. I have this quite funny personality.
- [18:29]
Jay Shetty
Is that where that playfulness comes from?
- [18:31]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah.
- [18:32]
Jay Shetty
Watching your dad.
- [18:33]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah. Yeah. And another story, but. But this story, it's not like I remember that, but I think it's perf. Differently shows my personality. When I was a kid and someone came to me because I was grunting while hitting the ball, and someone came to me calling me Sharapova, and I looked at the person saying, like, no, I'm future Sabalenka. You know, I was a kid. I was like, what, nine or ten? And saying that. I was just like, when. When my. My mom told me the story, I kind of, like, was proud of myself.
- [19:04]
Jay Shetty
I love it. And. And to me, it's all your. Even when I was watching you on Saturday, to me, it's all your micro expressions. Like, you just have this face that can just, like, make so many different angles and faces. And I'm, like, just watching you just. I was telling you about a moment earlier as well. Like, Amanda played an amazing shot the other day, and you just, like, turned around and you were, like, clapping it on the side, and I was like.
- [19:25]
Aryna Sabalenka
It was a great shot.
- [19:26]
Jay Shetty
It was a great shot. It was amazing. It was just. It's all these micro things. But you're saying your dad inspired all of this? Like, that?
- [19:32]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah, my personality, I think 100% comes from my dad.
- [19:36]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. And he was also the one who introduced you to tennis.
- [19:38]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [19:39]
Jay Shetty
Walk me through that. How did he discover tennis? How did he introduce it to you?
- [19:43]
Aryna Sabalenka
It's actually by not, like, accident, but he was just, like, trying to find some activity for me because I was very active kid and he wanted me to be busy and to do stuff and he was trying to find a sport for me and he was just like passing by the tennis court, he was like, well, why not just try it?
- [20:01]
Jay Shetty
Wow.
- [20:01]
Aryna Sabalenka
So I tried it and I loved it and that's how it started.
- [20:04]
Jay Shetty
That's crazy. Was he good at tennis?
- [20:07]
Aryna Sabalenka
No, no, no. He used to play ice hockey but then he had bike crash so he was afraid to come back in sport.
- [20:14]
Jay Shetty
Oh, wow. So, yeah, it was quite a bad injury that you.
- [20:16]
Aryna Sabalenka
It was a very bad injury. He barely survived when he was 18 or 19, so. And since then he didn't want to come back to sport because he was afraid that it was, it will affect his health.
- [20:27]
Jay Shetty
Did he do anything to help you feel confident about tennis or what was that relationship like? Because I heard in another interview you said, you said it was quite funny that you didn't actually think you got good at tennis until you were like 16, 17 years old. And so that's a long time. If you started playing tennis quite early and you only felt really good at 16, 17, what was happening between that age when you started playing and.
- [20:49]
Aryna Sabalenka
No, but I was pretty good. I was winning these local tournaments all the time. I was pretty good. And my dad would always just say, just as long as you just go out there and you fight and you give your best, you're good. He didn't care if I win or lose, so he was a really great supporter. Uh, but I realized at 16, 17 that I can be maybe good like internationally, you know, like going, going for those. Back then it was like 10,000 event, like a woman's sport, you know, like WTA. It started like, actually I think it was like ITF or something. Like, because I started from like 10,000, 25, 50, 100. So like slowly made my way to WTA tennis. So yeah, back then I thought like, maybe, maybe I can go. Can be good when you compare yourself to like other athletes. So. So that's why probably.
- [21:37]
Jay Shetty
Who did you grow up watching? Who are the people that you admired? Because you already said you're like, no, I'm going to be future Sabalenka.
- [21:43]
Aryna Sabalenka
But you know, it's so funny because I think back then it wasn't that much of a social media, so I didn't have like, like an iPhone, you know, to go to Instagram and watch other athletes. And I was just like, I was training the whole, I was going to school, I was training and then I was just like having fun with my friends outside. So I was never like watching TV or any Internet much. So I didn't really look up to someone, you know, like, of course I've seen, like, Serena dominating, like, there and there. So. And I was, like, thinking, like, I wish I could become, like, like her one day, you know, so. But no, I wasn't, like, really looking up to someone. And like, this question. Question makes me feel really terrible as a person. Like, I feel like everyone have their, like, idol, someone they look up to, and I. I never have someone. But I think the answer is just like, because we didn't have that social media. We didn't have, like, something that you just grab and you look and. Okay, and you see this. This life.
- [22:44]
Jay Shetty
No, I. I mean, I. I didn't. I didn't want to make you feel bad by asking you. I was just like, no, no, you.
- [22:48]
Aryna Sabalenka
Didn'T make me bad.
- [22:49]
Jay Shetty
I was like, I don't know. And I. I almost think there's something beautiful about it because I think sometimes. Sometimes watching people can inspire us, but sometimes not having that can actually help you find yourself.
- [23:00]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah.
- [23:00]
Jay Shetty
Like, not having access, even. I mean, when I was growing up. I'm 10 years older than you, but when I was growing up, I was reading books about people because I couldn't follow them on social media either. So I read David Beckham's autobiography when I was like, 16, 17 years old, and then I read Steve Jobs's biography much later. And so I was reading about people that I was fascinated by at a young age, but I didn't get to watch clips of them or whatever else it may be. And I think there's something beautiful about that because then you get to define who you are, and sometimes you can get caught comparing yourself to people. I think social media has made it so hard for young athletes or young anyone.
- [23:36]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah. Yeah.
- [23:37]
Jay Shetty
You're looking at everyone going, I wish I was more like that. I wish I looked like that. I wish I had that game, you know? And so it's kind of nice to not have that, actually, sometimes because you're free of it.
- [23:47]
Aryna Sabalenka
It's a good and a bad thing at the same time. Right. Like, you. You see more stuff, you learn more, but at the same time, you can compare yourself to people and. And then feel bad about yourself. So it's like, it can bring, like, really strong insecureness in you. So, I don't know, I think it's important to find something that you love, you truly love. Not, like, because you see, like, social media posts and you think, oh, I wanna. I wanna live that life. But do you really, you know, you have to Find some something that you love. And I think if you do what you love and your passion and you dedicate your life to that and you do everything you can to become successful in any area, I think that that's the way to go, you know.
- [24:25]
Jay Shetty
Well said. Yeah, absolutely. I feel like it's so. Because winning the trophy is 1% of your life, the other 99% is what we don't see. We're just seeing the two weeks of the tournaments or whatever it may be.
- [24:38]
Aryna Sabalenka
But it's the whole life.
- [24:39]
Jay Shetty
It's the waking up, it's the walk me through your morning routine. Like what does your routine look like? How do you set yourself up during the tournament? Do you mean a game day and a non game day?
- [24:49]
Aryna Sabalenka
Well, the game day depends on the match once again. But I like to sleep in. I need to have a good recovery. But then I take it easy. If it's like an evening match, I take it easy. I do like some mobility in the gym. Like to wake me up. I mean, of course, breakfast before lunch, then I go inside, I do my warm up again, I do tennis hit and then there's a match game. And when it's not much day, then it's like even longer. Sleep later, wake up and easy start a little bit of a hit and then it's a treatment recovery process and then it's a dinner. I love to go out for dinners.
- [25:30]
Jay Shetty
Nice. Did I read somewhere that you meditate as well or have tried before? Do you practice any sort of meditation or work with a sports psychologist as well?
- [25:37]
Aryna Sabalenka
I work with the sport psychologist for four or five years. We did some sort of meditation with it. Yeah, we did a lot of, of things at the beginning of my career. But then you know what? I found that I was relying on her so much. She was a woman. I was relying on her so much. So I was expecting her to fix my problems, like my emotions. And I was like repeating the same mistake over and over again. And I was getting upset about that. So at some point I decided, okay, I have to take responsibility over my actions. And I stopped, stopped working with psychologists. And that was the moment when I started like learning about myself, when I actually understood myself better. And I start, I start to control my emotions much better. And I felt like more balanced when I like took that responsibility.
- [26:37]
Jay Shetty
Yeah.
- [26:37]
Aryna Sabalenka
So it was, I think for me personally was it was a great move. But you never know. Like maybe one day I'm gonna come back to get back to psychology, meditation and all of that stuff.
- [26:50]
Jay Shetty
I think that's the right process, though, with anything. I feel like it's learn, learn, and then you have to go lead yourself. And it's learn and then lead yourself. And I think the challenge is if you constantly remain a student, then you're always dependent. And I think anything we become dependent on controls us, and then we're subject to how good we feel that day. But when you learn something and then you go and try it and you practice it and you apply it, then you get to see whether you actually internalized it. And so I think that is a good process. I feel like for anyone who's practicing any sort of coaching, therapy, psychology, it's great to be able to learn and then go test all the stuff in the real world and, and then see where it goes back rather than keep it there forever because then you almost someone's holding your hand the whole time and then you keep holding tighter and tighter and tighter.
- [27:35]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah, it's good to like, you know, go back and forth, like work with psychologists, but then go out there and, and try to figure it by your. By yourself. And then the moment you feel like you need to talk to someone and you need to find some. Yeah, some. Some answers. So, yeah, it's, it's a, it's always a learning process. Right. Like, as long as it's good for you, it's great.
- [28:07]
Jay Shetty
Okay, I'm going to assume that everybody messages their friends. I'm also going to assume you've run into some issues when messaging, especially during group chats. I know I have. One time I sent a message way too fast, full of typos, and everyone had to guess what I was even trying to say. WhatsApp can help. First, you can message privately with everyone. Even if you're all using totally different phones. It just works. Sent a message too fast and instantly regretted it, no problem. Just edit it. And when the chat gets a little too intense, you can switch to a group video call and actually talk it out. Photos and videos come through super clear and messages get delivered without weird gaps or delays. Plus, WhatsApp has so many great features like polls, pinned messages, and even event invites with RSVPs. So planning stuff doesn't just turn into a mess. I mean, it just makes a lot of sense. It's time for WhatsApp message privately with everyone. As the weather cools down and the days get shorter, I always find myself wanting to make my home feel cozier. There's something about fall that makes you slow down, light a candle, and create a space that feels warm and inviting. And honestly, Wayfair is where I go to make that happen. Wayfair has everything you need to cozify your home. Whether it's a comfy recliner to curl up in soft bedding for those chilly nights, or even autumn inspired decor to bring in the season. They even have espresso makers so you can make that cafe latte you love right in your kitchen. For me, I recently picked up a cozy throw blanket and a low lit lamp for my reading corner. It transformed the space inside instantly. Suddenly it feels like a little sanctuary. I love that. Wayfarer's options for every style and budget, plus free and easy delivery. Now really is the best time to get your home ready for fall so you can enjoy the season with ease and comfort. Cozify your home with Wayfair's curated collection of easy, affordable fall updates. From comfy recliners to cozy bedding and autumn decor. Find it all for way less@wayfair.com that's W-A-Y-F-A-I-R.com Wayfair Every style, every home. This is Jay Shetty from On Purpose and if you've ever felt like you've lost touch with yourself, try changing your surroundings, even for just a few days. Delta recently invited four creators to do just that. Two trips. One. What if travel isn't just movement but recharging in motion? In Seattle they focused on routine and self care, gym time, grounding walks and meditation. In Copenhagen, they let go biking, saunas and embracing the moment. And what surprised them most, their usual stress faded. They felt clearer, calmer, more connected and Oura Ring data backed it up based on their auraing sleep scores. Everyone met the day feeling more rested and their bodies moved more without even trying. Travel gave them space to practice self care and not restriction, but balance. And the best part, that sense of well being didn't end when they got home with Delta. Fly and live better. Explore the whole journey on Delta's YouTube channel. How would the people that know you beyond tennis? Personally, deeply, intimately? How would they describe you? What would they say about you?
- [31:52]
Aryna Sabalenka
Oh, I don't like to talk about myself, but I feel like they would, they would say that I'm very kind, funny, of course, and very generous. And I think, I mean, yeah, I think that's, that's how they would describe me. I mean that's what I hope they're.
- [32:07]
Jay Shetty
Gonna do that maybe they're gonna just.
- [32:10]
Aryna Sabalenka
Say, okay, you know what, she's crazy like you better just stay away. Who know, But I That's. That's my hopes. Yeah.
- [32:17]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. Funny. Kind and generous is a good. It's a good, good three. I like this.
- [32:22]
Aryna Sabalenka
How I see myself, but reality is different.
- [32:25]
Jay Shetty
We'll check afterwards.
- [32:26]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah, let's just ask now.
- [32:27]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, ask a few people to. Ask a few people. How much does your life off the court, in your personal life impact your life on the court?
- [32:36]
Aryna Sabalenka
Well, I think, anyway, everything, it's, you know, kind of, like, works together, so. But I think it's all about, like, balancing your off the court and on the court life, because I feel like on the court, I'm, like, really aggressive. I'm so focused. I'm, like, I'm just chasing my dreams. So I feel like people who doesn't know me, they can say that I'm super crazy person and super aggressive on and off the court, but it's not who I am. I feel like off the court, I'm more fun, and I love to have fun. And, you know, you have to balance. You have to, like, put the hard work in, but also you have to go and. And enjoy and do things that brings you. Brings you joy. Because then when you feel. Feel balanced and feel like you enjoying your life, then you. You. You're able to go there and to, you know, bring everything you have and to fight and to. To be focused.
- [33:29]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, I feel. I feel tennis has done so much, hopefully, to start leveling the playing field with men and women. Have you ever felt that divide, personally, while playing? Like, do you feel the pressure that everyone in the media puts on the sports of, like, you know, men and women are not equal? There's this challenge, like, have you felt that or do you feel you. That doesn't really cross your mind. How do you process that?
- [33:51]
Aryna Sabalenka
I'm trying not to focus on that because I just try to represent women's sport the best way possible. And, of course, we're all fighting for equal prize money and everything, but also, at the end of the day, it's all about who brings them, who bring the show, who brings people into the sport. But I think, like, now the prize money is equal. Everything is getting closer and closer between man and woman. So I, of course, I love it, and that's what women athletes are fighting for. Thank you, Billie Jean King, for, you know, fighting for us. I agree that we deserve to be paid the same. Of course, like, the level is different just because of the physical abilities, but the work that, that we putting, it's. It's equal to the work that they put in. Of course, the level can be different, but it just. It's life that's. That's men meant to be a stronger than women, so.
- [34:46]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. But it's interesting to hear that you don't think about it because I think that's because I guess you've just got to focus on playing the game.
- [34:53]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah. You cannot, you know, focus on many things. You just gotta focus on yourself and bring the best. Best of you. And of course, try to fight for having equal prize money to be closer to what men are earning and that stuff. And I think actually lately, women's tennis, especially tennis, women's tennis is more fun to watch. More people coming, attending, people speak more about that. Maybe it's fashion related because it's such a fashionable sport right now, but I feel like we are getting really close to men.
- [35:35]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, Yeah. I think it's been brilliant. I think the sport's done a great job at trying to move in the.
- [35:40]
Aryna Sabalenka
Right direction for a long time.
- [35:41]
Jay Shetty
And Billie Jean King, as you said, has been such a reason for that. It's been amazing. So it's incredible. Talk to us about the fashion because as soon as you put your outfit on, that. Then you put the silver jacket on and like, I was like, Irina's, like, going for it. Like, how much. How much fun do you get to have with all of that?
- [35:57]
Aryna Sabalenka
I love it. You know, I love fashion. I love, you know, I love experimenting with my looks stuff. And for me, it's important, you know, to look good on court, to feel good about myself. So I love that. I think it's all about, you know, having fun with it and bringing fashion into tennis. I think it's also going to help to explore our sport more. So I'm enjoying this.
- [36:22]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. Yeah. You see it in sports. Like, I feel like basketball, especially in America, like, all the basketball players are very fashionable. Like, it kind of creates. It brings sports and culture together quite a lot. How do you find your inspiration for your looks? Like, is it just. Just something you like the look of? Like, how do you kind of go about picking colors, silhouettes, everything else?
- [36:40]
Aryna Sabalenka
Well, I started to work with Carla Welch, the. The stylist. She's the best, and she teached me a lot about, you know, how to mix stuff together. Which color style works better, better for me. So she teached me a lot, and I follow a lot of, like, fashion influencers just to, like, see how they dressed up. And sometimes I find the inspiration. I ordered a lot of stuff and, you know, I'm like, I cannot stop shopping. That's my that's my weakness.
- [37:08]
Jay Shetty
Is it?
- [37:09]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yes.
- [37:10]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. There was a clip that I saw where it's like, as soon as. After the game, the first thing that went on was the ap. It went on straight after the game.
- [37:17]
Aryna Sabalenka
You know, gotta take care of the fashion stuff of the game. Fashion part of the game.
- [37:23]
Jay Shetty
I love it. Will you. Will you crash again? Crush again. When I. One of the things that I love talking to about with successful people, champions who've been through it, is like defining moments in their life. You know, I feel like defining moments in every human's life are just either propels you forward or it can, you know, slow you down or break you down. And for you, I feel like one of the biggest ones was losing your father. Like, that is for anyone, losing a parent is such a huge part of their journey. For you, it's critical to your journey because it's the person who gave you what you love. Walk us through that moment in time.
- [37:58]
Aryna Sabalenka
Well, I hope I'm not gonna start crying right now, but it was. It was unexpectable. It just happened like this. And it was a tough moment because I was so close to him. The reason is because we have similar personalities and we understood each other much better. He knew what to tell me. When I was, like, struggling on court, you know, I would just call him and he would just say a couple things, and I would be like, oh, that makes sense. So losing him was. Was. Was a tough moment, but, you know, instead of, like, really going depressed, I just decided to take it as, you know, like, he's, like, here with me. He's in my heart, in my memory. He raised me. I feel like the best way possible. Thanks. Thanks to him for, you know, like, I feel like I'm the champion right now because of. Of, because of him. And I know that he's here with me. He, you know, he support me, he takes care of me, he protects me. And, yeah, I took it as a motivation to put the family name in the history. And thanks to him.
- [39:13]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. How did you grieve at the time? Like, what was useful to you? Because I feel losing someone's always hard, and there's no perfect way to grieve. But what worked for you? What did you have to do in order to process that?
- [39:25]
Aryna Sabalenka
Well, I had to stay really strong because, yeah, my mom was. It was tough for her to handle. She was a young woman to lose a husband that she loved. It was tough. So I had to stay really strong and not really show my emotions, but I was crying a lot back Then when no one saw me. But the best way for me was to go on court and practice and train. It was the only time when I wouldn't think, you know, like, the beginning of the practice till the end, I was just focusing on, like, tennis, like, hitting this, like, balls. Repetition after repetition. And then the moment the practice would stop, I would like, constantly thinking, like, remembering, like, something from the past, start crying harder. That was the best way for me to go through it is like, go out and practice and practice and practice.
- [40:15]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, I feel like. Yeah, I feel like you just break down straight after because it. I mean, I'm surprised you could even focus during the practice. That's impressive because there was just.
- [40:24]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah. I don't know how, actually. I just figured that. I went on court, started practicing. I realized that, okay, this is the moment when I'm not thinking about that. And I was. I was training a lot.
- [40:35]
Jay Shetty
You were trying to, like, channel it all into.
- [40:37]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah, like, just let it, like, go. Let it go, because it's nothing you can do about. You know, I feel like in life there is, like, birth, love, and death, something that you have zero control on. So I was like. Like, it was his journey. I was grateful that I was able to spend 21 years with. With him. And, yeah, I know that he's. He's protecting me.
- [41:03]
Jay Shetty
That's so beautiful. Thank you for sharing that. It's so beautiful to hear about my. My wife recently lost her grandmother, and I always say to people that my, like, my wife's. I don't even come close. My wife's favorite person in the world is her grandmother, and her grandma was 91. She lived an amazing life. But losing someone that close to you, that's raised you, that you have all these memories with, it's never easy. And, you know, my wife was by her bedside for four months every day before she passed away, like, sleeping in hospital and together with her and just, you know, it was. It was beautiful for me to watch just that love. That connection. Yeah, that connection and that level of love and that level of. And I love what you just said now about how birth, love, and death are the only things that are guaranteed. And it's. How do you. How do you think about love? Like, what's your views on love? I'm intrigued seeing as you brought up those three important things.
- [41:57]
Aryna Sabalenka
I think love is something that you cannot really explain. Right. You just. You just feel complete with the person. Right. You just feel comfortable. You. You're not adopting anything. You're having fun. You love everything. About the person. Good. And. And because everyone have good and bad parts. Right. So you love everything. And I think that's something that gives you that feeling that. I don't know that. Like that warm in your heart.
- [42:26]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. It's a feeling.
- [42:27]
Aryna Sabalenka
How would you describe. You know? Right. Like how can. Yeah.
- [42:33]
Jay Shetty
Love to me is when someone accepts you for who you are and you accept them for who they are and not changing your race, trying to change the them.
- [42:43]
Aryna Sabalenka
Exactly.
- [42:43]
Jay Shetty
I feel like the biggest mistake is when you either want someone to never change or you want someone to change today. Because chances are if you spend long enough with someone, they will change and you will change. And if I want to change you, that means I never really loved you in the first place. And so very. When I'm willing to accept. Yeah. When I'm willing to accept and be with you and sit with you and understand you. I'm trying to be more curious than I am judgmental.
- [43:11]
Aryna Sabalenka
Exactly.
- [43:11]
Jay Shetty
Because I'm trying to understand why you are the way you are.
- [43:14]
Aryna Sabalenka
And I love that.
- [43:15]
Jay Shetty
What made you this way.
- [43:16]
Aryna Sabalenka
And I totally agree.
- [43:17]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. Because it's. Because I feel like it's. It's so easy. In any relationship. This isn't just romantic. I think it applies to parents, family, sisters, siblings, brothers, everyone. It's like you don't know why someone is the way they are.
- [43:30]
Aryna Sabalenka
You don't know what they been through. Right. What made them the way they are. And when you understand, understand that about. Like you said, family, friends, just people. Right.
- [43:41]
Jay Shetty
Yeah.
- [43:42]
Aryna Sabalenka
Makes you. Yeah. Just feel the person.
- [43:46]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. When did you start to feel successful and feel like you were a champion? Did you ever. Do you feel that way or is there.
- [43:54]
Aryna Sabalenka
I don't know. I never, I never think about that. I think for me, success is the. The discipline that you put in. I think this is success, like being able to be there every morning, every practice. Doesn't matter how you feel. Doesn't matter if you want it or you. You don't want to be there. You know, because there is days when you just don't want to go and work or practice and do your job. Right. And if you're still there, this is success. This is. Means that you, you. You love what you do and you want to be successful. Successful.
- [44:29]
Jay Shetty
That's a great definition of success. I love that. That's such a great answer. Success is actually showing up even when you don't want to.
- [44:37]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah.
- [44:37]
Jay Shetty
When you don't feel like it. That's really what it is.
- [44:40]
Aryna Sabalenka
I think that's why I'm Able to, you know, hold these trophies because I was there, like, no matter what since like a very young age. You know, I remember going to practice, not feeling well, but I don't know, someone was just. Something was just driving me, like, I was just going there. I loved it. And that's why I say that people have to find something they love. Because when you love something, like what you do, that's what pushes you to go, to do, to do better every day and to improve. That's important.
- [45:14]
Jay Shetty
I love what you're saying, and I'm thinking about some of the things I think my audience struggles with sometimes. Let's say you find some people struggle to find something they love. Do you think that's because we have the wrong view of it? Like, I think some people think if you love something, you'll always like it. But what you're saying is you could love something and there'll still be days where you don't like it. Which I think is a really important point. Yeah, that makes sense.
- [45:38]
Aryna Sabalenka
Like, I feel like so many people give up on things because they feel like, okay, I don't want to go there. It means that, okay, I'm done. And I think this is actually the moment where you can make the, like, breakthrough, you know, because, yeah, like you said, you're absolutely right. You can love something, but at the same time, you can experience those days when you just don't want to do that. And it's normal. It's normal. It just, it's a routine. So it's important to. If you love something at first and you felt happy and all of a sudden you're like, okay, I don't want to go there. It doesn't mean that you have to change something. Something. Yeah, you know, you have to change your job. You just have to go through this period. It's. It's like in every relationship, it's not perfect all the time. You have to, you know, go through something.
- [46:27]
Jay Shetty
Did you ever think about giving up? Like, was there ever a time in your life where you were like, I think this is it?
- [46:32]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah, there was a moment in my career. When was that? Three years ago when I was double faulting. I couldn't, like, surf. I don't know what happened with me. Like, I couldn't surf. Just something happened and it wouldn't work. And I was, I was still playing. I was. I actually ended up here in top 10 somehow without the surf. But it was like, really, I was really close to just quit because I was like, I don't know. How to fix it? Like, we tried everything, like, psychology. We tried everything, like, like, like going, like, through repetitions, like, practicing, like, different trick, like, everything. We tried everything and we couldn't fix it. And I was like, okay, I'm about to quit. Quit. But then we, yeah, we hired the buy me honey guy and he helped to understand some details and, and, you know, like, so that's what I'm saying. Like, it was the moment for me to, like, you know, to stay strong, to go through it, to ne, like, never give up, you know, like how we say. And I didn't quit. And after that, I was able to win my first Grand Slam. And, and that moment was crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy emotional.
- [47:45]
Jay Shetty
I feel like that's always the case where it's like, you love something, something about it's not working, you're struggling, you're not getting it right. And that's the point where you're required to be a bit more dedicated. Like, it's like, that's where the unlock is.
- [47:59]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yes. I feel like, universe, God, you call however you want it. Send those challenges because you can handle it. And for a reason. You know, like, everything happen happens for a reason. And that would actually kept me in sport because I was like, okay, this is happen happening for a reason. I need to change something, you know, and, and I think you have to go through these tough challenges to see, to see why, why it happened to you. It's not only about sport in everything in life, you know.
- [48:31]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. And I feel like those are the moments that give you confidence and courage, like when you overcome something which ever. And I think people forget how much they've overcome.
- [48:39]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah.
- [48:39]
Jay Shetty
Like, I love that you just said, like, I've been just showing up since I was a little kid.
- [48:45]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah.
- [48:45]
Jay Shetty
Like, you know, you've been showing up for so many years, and I think people think confidence is how you show up today or winning a trophy or it's like, no, no, no. Like, think about it. And everyone has showed up in their life. Like, the people that are going to work for their kids, for their partner, like, people have been showing up. And if everyone could think of all the times in their life where they had the courage, had the confidence to show up even when they didn't want to. You're going to feel a lot more of that today. Rather than waiting to win, to feel confident.
- [49:15]
Aryna Sabalenka
I think confidence, it's, it's, it's, it's a process. You know, you build in this confidence, like, step by step, like by waking up the, like the early morning by showing up somewhere you didn't want to, you know, like, and like, slowly building your confidence. It's all about like, like this little, little steps.
- [49:34]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. Do you have any unusual rituals or any, like, things that you do before you go out on court or on a day? Like, do you, do you, do you bounce the ball a number of times? Do you throw it a certain way? Is there like a little, little trick or a little thing that you have personally that works for you?
- [49:52]
Aryna Sabalenka
Well, I have the same breakfast. Oh, you do all the tournament.
- [49:55]
Jay Shetty
That's my, you know, what is your go to breakfast?
- [49:57]
Aryna Sabalenka
Oh, I love avocado toast. With, with, with two fried eggs from both sides, over easy. Has to be perfect. I gave so much trouble to some of the places with this eggs.
- [50:11]
Jay Shetty
It has to be perfect.
- [50:11]
Aryna Sabalenka
It has to be perfect. I don't know. Maybe I'm crazy. And the smoke. Salmon on the side. That's my go to.
- [50:17]
Jay Shetty
That's your go to breakfast?
- [50:18]
Aryna Sabalenka
I love this breakfast. I always come back to this one.
- [50:20]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. Very specific.
- [50:22]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yes.
- [50:22]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, it's good.
- [50:23]
Aryna Sabalenka
Maybe this. And then I think about the bouncing the ball. I think it's all about the habits. Maybe I actually pick the balls from the ball kids. I always pick from, like, if I win the point and I picked from, like, it doesn't matter which corner. Like, for example, from the right, right corner. How I show the right, I mean, left corner. I will keep like picking up the balls from, from that kid.
- [50:50]
Jay Shetty
Got it.
- [50:50]
Aryna Sabalenka
I don't know why. It just like, gives me, give me, I don't know, good feeling.
- [50:56]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, yeah. We, I, I feel like we all have these little things, but as long.
- [51:00]
Aryna Sabalenka
As it, as these things in your control, it's good. When you, like, you know, rely on something that it's not in our control, then it can become a problem.
- [51:09]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, yeah, yeah, exactly. Yeah. I, I've, I mean, I'd be honest. Any athlete I've ever interviewed who has continued to be a high performer in their life for a long time has a definite breakfast for their game day. It's like a very common trait, like, to have a, A specific breakfast. Well, you know, have that continuity.
- [51:27]
Aryna Sabalenka
Because I love, like, for me, the main meal is breakfast. I like to sit there, enjoy my breakfast, have, like, have my cup of coffee and. Yeah, that's my ritual, you know?
- [51:40]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. Who do you. I asked this to Novak recently when he was on the show. I was like, who do you con. Consider your toughest opponent mentally?
- [51:51]
Aryna Sabalenka
Whom did he say?
- [51:52]
Jay Shetty
He said himself.
- [51:53]
Aryna Sabalenka
Himself.
- [51:54]
Jay Shetty
It's A good answer.
- [51:56]
Aryna Sabalenka
It's a good answer.
- [51:57]
Jay Shetty
I'll cut that out. You can say it as well.
- [52:00]
Aryna Sabalenka
Well, yeah, myself. Thanks, Novak. No, I cannot pick one. You know why? Because everyone is tough, you know, like, it's tough. Like, everyone brings, like, different challenges, you know, and it's tough to, like, say, okay, she's, like, the toughest one for me, because then you underestimate the rest of the group, which is not right. So all of them brings, like, different challenges. But I think, Novak, thank you for that. You're the biggest.
- [52:27]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. You're always your biggest mental competitor.
- [52:30]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yes.
- [52:31]
Jay Shetty
Because you're the one pushing yourself the hardest.
- [52:32]
Aryna Sabalenka
Exactly. Exactly.
- [52:33]
Jay Shetty
It's a good answer. What about your toughest opponent physically, Coco.
- [52:39]
Aryna Sabalenka
Iga? Yeah. These two, like, I think physically brings the biggest challenge in.
- [52:46]
Jay Shetty
In what sense?
- [52:47]
Aryna Sabalenka
They. They move really great. So sometimes you build a point, and probably with others, like, this shot will be a winner, but with them, sometimes you have to, like, rebuild the point. And, yeah, physically it's not easy. Physically and mentally, it's not easy, like, to, like, you know, stay. Stay strong and be ready that the ball gonna come back every time. And you have to, like, be really strong physically to handle that. That intensity.
- [53:13]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. How does it feel? Do you have lots. I'm sure you have so many young tennis players, both men and women, coming up to you, feeling inspired, excited about your journey. Like, how does that feel?
- [53:23]
Aryna Sabalenka
I think that's the goal in life, and I always wanted to be a good example for next generation. And when kids run to me and say, I love you, you're my inspiration. That's, you know, that's what. What actually matters in life.
- [53:36]
Jay Shetty
What do you say to young athletes who are inspired by you, are moved by you? What. What's your advice to them? What's your words of wisdom?
- [53:45]
Aryna Sabalenka
Surround yourself with the right people. That's the main thing. Because with the right people, you can achieve anything.
- [53:52]
Jay Shetty
That's good advice. Is it. Did it take you time to find the right people to surround yourself with? Like, is that. Is that hard?
- [53:59]
Aryna Sabalenka
God, it's hard. It's really hard because there's so many, let's say, interesting people around. But, yeah, it took me. It took me. It took me time. I was really happy to have my. My coach with me for, I don't know, like, how many years already. My fitness coach and a tennis coach. So they've been there for me and. And then find the right. The right agent. The right.
- [54:26]
Jay Shetty
Right.
- [54:26]
Aryna Sabalenka
I mean, yeah, it took. It took time to build the right people.
- [54:29]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. It does. I feel like that's true in, again, in business, in sports, in everything. Finding the right everything.
- [54:36]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah. You go through being betrayal by someone, and, you know, like, people come, people go, and it's a process. But I feel like the moment you found your. Your. Your people, you better stick to that group, because this is what gives you energy and power to keep going.
- [54:52]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. I remember I had a. I had a physical therapist that I was working with at a time, but we ended up talking while I'd be doing physical therapy, too. And it was really interesting. She said to me once. This was years ago. This was like maybe six years ago now. And she said to me, she said, jay, it's funny. Like, it feels like the only people that stress you out are the people you pay. And because she was saying, when I talk, when I am venting, when I'm saying something, she was saying it was only the people in your professional world. She was like, it seems like your personal life's great. Like, my relationship with my wife, my relationship with my family, my sister, my. My parents. But she was like, oh, it seems like whenever you're going through something painful, it's always to do something in your life that's part of your business. And it really, like, was like a moment for me because I was like, oh, I've got to. I've got to think about this as much, because I think when I first. At least for me, when I first started moving, I didn't know anyone in the entertainment industry. I didn't know anyone in this world. And so I was just trying to surround myself with people who were smart, who knew what they were doing, but they weren't necessarily on the same energy and vibrancy, if that makes sense.
- [55:56]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah, yeah.
- [55:56]
Jay Shetty
Does that make sense? Like, yeah, you've had to find people on the same frequency.
- [55:59]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah, Yeah. I think it's important to have people with a good energy, the energy that fits. And. And that you. Yeah, you understand each other. And this seems like you're people, you know?
- [56:10]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. That's why right now, when we said, what do you want to get for food? You were like, no, my team knows me. You know, they know I trust them. Like, that's.
- [56:18]
Aryna Sabalenka
That's. That's what I mean.
- [56:19]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. And this year you launched Arenas Arena. Right, Right.
- [56:22]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah.
- [56:22]
Jay Shetty
Which I love. Which is giving people more access.
- [56:25]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah.
- [56:25]
Jay Shetty
You know, your team and the dynamics. Talk to us about that.
- [56:27]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah. I want to share myself. I want to share my life. I want life. I want to, you know, show those little kids that, like, we're all people. Like, you know, you don't have to be perfect to be successful. Right? And I want to show, like, what it takes to, you know, to, to be where I am. And that, that is like, like that is real. And you just gotta work.
- [57:01]
Jay Shetty
Okay, I'm going to assume that everybody messages their friends. I'm also going to assume you've run into some issues when messaging, especially during group chats. I know I have. One time I sent a message way too fast full of typos, and everyone had to guess what I was even trying to say. WhatsApp can help. First, you can message privately with everyone, even if you're all using totally different phones. It just works. Sent a message too fast and instantly regretted it. No problem. Just edit it. And when the chat gets a little too intense, you can switch to a group video call and actually talk it out. Photos and videos come through super clear and messages get delivered without weird gaps or delays. Plus, WhatsApp has so many great features like polls, pinned messages, and even event invites with RSVPs. So planning stuff doesn't just turn into a mess. I mean, it just makes a lot of sense. It's time for WhatsApp. Message privately with everyone. As the weather cools down and the days get shorter, I always find myself wanting to make my home feel cozier. There's something about fall that makes you slow down, light a candle and create a space that feels warm and inviting. And honestly, Wayfair is where I go to make that happen. Wayfair is everything you need to cozy your home. Whether it's a comfy recliner to curl up in, soft bedding for those chilly nights, or even autumn inspired decor to bring in the season. They even have espresso makers so you can make that cafe latte you love right in your kitchen. For me, I recently picked up a cozy throw blanket and a low lit lamp for my reading corner. It transformed the space instantly. Suddenly it feels like a little sanctuary. I love that. Wayfarer's options for every style and budget, plus free and easy delivery. Now really is the best time to get your home ready for fall so you can enjoy the season with ease and comfort. Cozify your home with Wayfair's curated collection of easy, affordable fall updates. From comfy recliners to cozy bedding and autumn decor. Find it all for way less@wayfair.com that's a y f a I r.com Wayfair every style, every home this is Jay Shetty from On Purpose and if you've ever felt like you've lost touch with yourself, try changing your surroundings, even for just a few days. Delta recently invited four creators to do just that. Two trips. One question. What if travel isn't just movement, but recharging in motion? In Seattle, they focused on routine and self care, gym time, grounding, walks and meditation. In Copenhagen, they let go biking, saunas and embracing the moment. And what surprised them most, their usual stress faded. They felt clearer, calmer, more connected. And Oura ring data backed it up based on their auraing sleep scores. Everyone met the day feeling more rested and their bodies moved more without even trying. Travel gave them space to practice self care and not restriction, but balance. And the best part, that sense of well being didn't end when they got home with Delta. Fly and live better explore the whole journey on Delta's YouTube channel. The truth is, tennis is such an individual sport and I've had the fortune of interviewing people from so many different sports. But tennis and Formula one are like so dependent on the individual in the sense that you're the one playing the game at the same time. Like you said, there is a team and so it's important to show that same in F1 there is a team, but there's just so much. Even when you celebrate that day, like when you won, I was like, wait a minute, when you're on the court, you have to celebrate on your own, like the moment you win. Whereas if you watch any other sport, the team will come together, the players run to each other and it's like, obviously you can do that when you get into the stands, but, but that moment, you've got to savor it. Like when you drop to your knees.
- [61:18]
Aryna Sabalenka
And you know, yeah, that was very, very emotional moment. I still, you know, feel this because, you know, yeah, you have a huge team and the amount of work that those guys put in, it's incredible. And I feel like kind of like responsible for that because I know that they deserve to be the best coaches, like the best agent, the best physio, like the best team, you know. So I feel responsible when I'm out there competing because doesn't matter how much work they put in, you know, it's at the end, it's like all depends on me, you know, and they don't know, like if, you know, if I'll go out there and I'll play my best and if I'll win, you know. So when I'm there competing, I'm not only competing for myself, I compete for my team. But I'm, like, there, and I'm responsible for that, you know, on my own.
- [62:09]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, you're carrying a lot.
- [62:11]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah. Yeah, exactly. So it's. It's tough. And that's why I feel like most of the athletes, like. Like they. Not athletes, but tennis players and Formula one, they sort of like, crying after, like, winning something because, you know, all that pressure, all that things in your head, they just slowly go away and you feel, okay, I did it, you know? But Formula one is another level. Like, I'm a fan. I don't. I don't know how. How. How they do that. It's like, you know, they put sort of, like, their life in risk, and it's so fast and so crazy. And for me, this is intense.
- [62:48]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, I mean. I mean, it's all intense.
- [62:50]
Aryna Sabalenka
No, because, you know, we have breaks, like, between the points, between the games. Those guys, they're there for, I don't know how long, like, hour and something, right? And they're there and, like, if they just lose focus for a second, gone. You know, this is tough.
- [63:06]
Jay Shetty
It is scary knowing that you could take your own life and someone else's, and it's got. The sport has got so much safer over time, so it's.
- [63:12]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah, I know it's safer now, but still, you know.
- [63:14]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, yeah, yeah. What? Are there any sports that you watch, that you love, that you follow?
- [63:19]
Aryna Sabalenka
I love basketball. I love ice hockey, but it's not like, I really have, like, one team.
- [63:27]
Jay Shetty
Okay.
- [63:28]
Aryna Sabalenka
One team that I support. I just love to watch, especially, like, with. With the basketball sitting on the court side. When I see the way those guys moves, like, with their, like, height and everything, I'm like. I always, like, message my fitness coach, like, okay, we gotta do something, you know, But I'm like. I'm just, like, frozen in the moment because I just look how they move, you know, probably it's like a professional defect or something, you know, because I just watched their, like, movement, and it's. It's crazy. It's crazy. What, those guys.
- [63:58]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, you're watching a different game because you're looking at.
- [64:00]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah, I look different things, probably. And Formula one. I'm just, like, sitting there and I'm like, how they can be focused for so long without, like, losing their focus, like, corner after corner. Like, it's crazy.
- [64:13]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. And it's repetitive as well. It's like.
- [64:15]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah. You know, like, crazy.
- [64:17]
Jay Shetty
Doing the same.
- [64:18]
Aryna Sabalenka
That's what. That's what actually crazy.
- [64:20]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. Yeah. No, and how. How much time do you give yourself to now celebrate. You're doing press today. I mean, like we said, it's only 48 hours. How long before you have to get back to training, back on the grind and back to the discipline?
- [64:33]
Aryna Sabalenka
Well, the schedule is tough, you know, but I think I'm gonna give myself a couple more days to celebrate and then we're gonna go back, back to work. But like also slowly like starting probably from the gym. And then, yeah, we're gonna build up because we have a couple more tournaments and, and then the finals, which is like top eight players compete for the, you know, for the, for another big trophy. So we have couple more big tournaments coming up, but for now know I'm gonna take couple days to celebrate because you know, when I was struggling, I was always going back to those moments when I, when I was winning those Grand Slams and I was like, I was thinking, like, I wish I could just experience that again. And I will celebrate like crazy because you never know if this moment gonna come again. You know, of course you work, you hope, you do your best, but at the end of the day, you never know. Right? So, so earlier this season I, I said to myself, okay, if I will win it this year, I'm going to, I'm going to celebrate and I'll truly enjoy it, you know. So the plan is for the next couple of days. Yeah, enjoy it.
- [65:46]
Jay Shetty
It's good, it's good that you're honoring that. Cuz sometimes you say that before and then after you win it, you're like, oh, now I need to just get back to it. So it's.
- [65:52]
Aryna Sabalenka
No, no, no, no. I'm like, I have this control. I'm like, I'm like that, I'm like, okay, I need to go back. But I, I'm like, no, no, no, no, no. We gotta, we gotta, we gotta do it. We gotta enjoy.
- [66:01]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, we gotta do it. No, I love that. I loved what you posted on your Instagram. You wrote to my team, I wouldn't be here without you. But don't forget, you wouldn't be here without me.
- [66:09]
Aryna Sabalenka
It wouldn't be me without joking. Some little, yeah, some little, you know, don't forget.
- [66:16]
Jay Shetty
Some little spice.
- [66:17]
Aryna Sabalenka
I mean, that's who I am, you know?
- [66:19]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, no, I, I, I, I genuinely, I genuinely love that you're honoring your, your time and energy to celebrate. It's such a great reminder. I feel like for years and years and years in my career, I was just going, going, going, going, going, and there was to be more mindful, to be more present, to really take it in because.
- [66:35]
Aryna Sabalenka
And also mentally to be healthy. Right. It's important to balance this hard work with a little joy.
- [66:40]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, you only come back sharper.
- [66:42]
Aryna Sabalenka
Exactly.
- [66:43]
Jay Shetty
Have you found that as well? Has that been a big part of your recovery to recognize. You were talking about sleep earlier. Like, talk to me about the need for rest and recovery and what you do to really find stillness.
- [66:52]
Aryna Sabalenka
I feel like recovery is. Is the key. You know, it. And if before I would blame myself even for going for a dinner during the tournament because I would think I would feel like, oh, it's. It distract me and I wouldn't be able to be focused tomorrow. No, it's wrong. You know, you. You have to. You have to go for dinner. You have to do things that brings you joy. You have to like sleep. You have to focus on your recovery as well. Because this is part of the process, you know, like to be able phys. Physically and mentally handle this pressure and this intensity. You have to have a good recovery. So it's also one of the main priorities for us.
- [67:35]
Jay Shetty
I love that. So, Irina, I know you have this battle of the sexes game coming up with Nick. Nick had been on the show, very excited about this repeat. I don't think it's ever been done again.
- [67:46]
Aryna Sabalenka
No, I think it is. It's been done like a long, long time ago.
- [67:50]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, like really long years ago.
- [67:51]
Aryna Sabalenka
When was that? What was the year?
- [67:53]
Jay Shetty
The seventies? Yeah. Great game.
- [67:55]
Aryna Sabalenka
It's been a while, right?
- [67:56]
Jay Shetty
Movie about the. If. If anyone hasn't seen the actual game, there's a great movie about it too. And so with Emma Stone.
- [68:01]
Aryna Sabalenka
I think we're bringing it back.
- [68:03]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, it's. Yeah, you're bringing it back. What inspired this?
- [68:07]
Aryna Sabalenka
Well, yeah, since we're fighting for equal prize money, I believe that's. That's the reason. No, no, but mostly just I think it's fun and it's cool to see and it's interesting for me to play against the man and I'm ready to his. Are we allowed to use this? Kick his ass. Right. I'm putting a lot of pressure on him right now, so I hope he's gonna just withdraw from. From feeling all of the pressure.
- [68:34]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, you can say whatever you want. Give us that message to Nick. I'm gonna send it to Nick straight away after this message.
- [68:39]
Aryna Sabalenka
Well, Nick, you gotta be ready. You better be ready. And yeah, I'm gonna. I'm gonna kick your ass, man. I love it.
- [68:50]
Jay Shetty
I love it.
- [68:51]
Aryna Sabalenka
I think the ATP gonna cancel the battle. Gonna. If it's happening, let it be Like Yannick or Carlos, but not Nick.
- [69:01]
Jay Shetty
This is turning into like a boxing match. It feels like it's like.
- [69:03]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yes. I'll make sure that I'll send him some drinks before the battle, just so you know.
- [69:09]
Jay Shetty
Oh, yeah. And you've got some little tricks up your sleeve like that.
- [69:11]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah, yeah. You know, I'm going to make sure he's not ready.
- [69:14]
Jay Shetty
I love it. And talk to me about this court chains. They're going to have to help make it make sense.
- [69:19]
Aryna Sabalenka
So basically, I'll be on the side with, like a smaller court.
- [69:24]
Jay Shetty
Got it. And he's a smaller area to hit.
- [69:27]
Aryna Sabalenka
And he's going to be on the regular side. So kind of like unfair already, right?
- [69:35]
Jay Shetty
I don't know if it's unfair.
- [69:37]
Aryna Sabalenka
And I think we're gonna have one serve each. That's it.
- [69:43]
Jay Shetty
That's very exciting. Where is it taking place?
- [69:45]
Aryna Sabalenka
We're still trying to figure it.
- [69:47]
Jay Shetty
Okay. All right. I want to come watch.
- [69:48]
Aryna Sabalenka
Come.
- [69:49]
Jay Shetty
So you're gonna let me know? Yeah, I'll come.
- [69:50]
Aryna Sabalenka
You're gonna sit on.
- [69:51]
Jay Shetty
I'll cheer for you. I'll cheer for you. Thank you. I'm gonna message Nick now. Again, I'm cheering for. Yeah, I love it. I'm on your side.
- [69:58]
Aryna Sabalenka
Thank you.
- [69:59]
Jay Shetty
Irina, is there anything I haven't asked you that you wish I did ask you? Anything?
- [70:04]
Aryna Sabalenka
You know, I think you. I mean, you know what you do. You know what you do.
- [70:07]
Jay Shetty
You.
- [70:07]
Aryna Sabalenka
You ask everything I wish the of talking about.
- [70:13]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, I'm making sure because I, I like, I. I don't take these opportunities for granted. I feel so lucky that I get to sit with you. 48 after 48 hours. After winning, I feel so fortunate. I get to speak to one of the best.
- [70:25]
Aryna Sabalenka
You know, I'm so happy. Number one in the world. I'm so happy to be in your podcast. And it's been a dream of mine for so long. And finally we did it.
- [70:35]
Jay Shetty
We did it. Thank you. I'm so grateful that I get to be part of your dreams. I mean that. We end every episode with a final five. So these have to be answered in one word to one sentence maximum.
- [70:45]
Aryna Sabalenka
Okay.
- [70:45]
Jay Shetty
But I always. I always go away from that, so don't worry about it.
- [70:49]
Aryna Sabalenka
Okay, let's see.
- [70:50]
Jay Shetty
Irina Sabalenko, these are your final five. The first question is, what is the best advice you've ever heard or received?
- [70:57]
Aryna Sabalenka
Focus on yourself and don't listen to people because most of the people want you to fail. So focus on yourself and on people close to you.
- [71:07]
Jay Shetty
Who said that to you my father. That's awesome. How old were you when he first said that?
- [71:12]
Aryna Sabalenka
He said it to me when I was 17, I think.
- [71:15]
Jay Shetty
Okay.
- [71:16]
Aryna Sabalenka
He was waiting probably for the moment for me to be ready to. I don't know, to accept some sort of deep advice, actually.
- [71:26]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. How long before you feel you really took it to heart and really understood it?
- [71:31]
Aryna Sabalenka
Maybe when he passed away. You know, I feel like when we. We're losing a person that this is the moment when we actually realize how much we lost, you know, like, and we appreciate every little small detail and the memories keep still coming up in my head, you know, I'm like, oh, you know, so you have to. You have to appreciate if you still have your family just for people. You have to appreciate it and you have to really take care of your closest one.
- [72:08]
Jay Shetty
Do you keep any physical part of him on you at any time when you're playing or in your bag or anywhere or not really? That's. It's more in your heart and your mind.
- [72:15]
Aryna Sabalenka
It's more in my heart. It's more in my heart. When he passed away, I had audios from him, but then I was crying like crazy when I. When I figured that they disappeared after like a year and I didn't like record it, saved it somehow. It wasn't in. In the app just to like keep his voice and because he wasn't the person who would like take a lot of videos, you know, like pict pictures and stuff. I don't have that either. Either. So I was really depressed that I have his like, voice. But he's in my, in my heart, in my memory. I think that's the most important.
- [72:48]
Jay Shetty
It's beautiful. Question number two, what is the worst advice you've ever heard or received?
- [72:54]
Aryna Sabalenka
You know, like, bad things never stay in my head.
- [72:56]
Jay Shetty
So. Good answer.
- [72:58]
Aryna Sabalenka
I. I don't remember any like bad advice.
- [73:00]
Jay Shetty
It's Good answer.
- [73:01]
Aryna Sabalenka
Work with IMG maybe.
- [73:05]
Jay Shetty
Good answer. All right, very cool. Question number three. I'm gonna say. Oh, what would you say are your three most life changing games that you've ever played? Three most life changing matches and they don't have to be finals or wins, just.
- [73:20]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah. I think to your mind, the semi final against Madison Keys at the Youth Open two year, two years ago go. I think. Yeah, two years ago.
- [73:32]
Jay Shetty
Why that one?
- [73:34]
Aryna Sabalenka
Because I was down set and I think 5:1 or something and I came back in the match and I won that one and I made my first final. So I think there was the moment when, when I realized a lot of Things.
- [73:46]
Jay Shetty
How does it feel to be five, one down?
- [73:48]
Aryna Sabalenka
Oh, feels. Feels terrible. It's a terrible feeling. But you're still hoping that maybe.
- [73:54]
Jay Shetty
How do you keep hope in that moment? Because five ones, literally, like, yeah, it's.
- [73:58]
Aryna Sabalenka
Like, okay, you're like, especially against big server, you know, you're like, ah, no chance. I don't know.
- [74:04]
Jay Shetty
What are you holding on to?
- [74:06]
Aryna Sabalenka
You just trying, you know, like, you. I was like, reminding myself, I mean, it's a dream to be in the semis, so there is no way you're gonna give up. Even, like, it doesn't matter how things going on, like, how badly it is. You have to, like, still trying. And maybe, maybe there is going to be a moment when you figure something and you find your game, you read them and you get the win. Then I did it, and it was kind of like a life changing moment. Then what else? Winning the first Slam, of course, gave me huge, huge belief, you know, that, okay, I'm capable of it and my life wasn't. Waste of time, you know. And the third one, your life was.
- [74:51]
Jay Shetty
Definitely not a waste of time.
- [74:53]
Aryna Sabalenka
No. But, you know, I, I know what you mean.
- [74:55]
Jay Shetty
Like your career just, you know, like, it's.
- [74:57]
Aryna Sabalenka
It would be really difficult for me to finish my career without the Slam. And the third one, I don't know. I don't know. There was one match when I won. There is a tournament in Doha and I won the tournament, but I think in quarterfinals, I was also like down the set and was struggling a lot, was playing really not my best tennis. And I won that match. And then I won the tournament also was kind of like a big moment for me.
- [75:28]
Jay Shetty
I think these three, it's amazing that the two of the ones you chose are when you're down.
- [75:33]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah.
- [75:33]
Jay Shetty
And you come back, like, there's something.
- [75:35]
Aryna Sabalenka
This is the moment where you like, gives you, like that power. Because next match you play, you think, oh, I mean, come on, I've been down 5:1. Seriously, you, you think that I'm gonna give up like that just because I, like, lose my surf or whatever? So it just gives you that power to, to fight.
- [75:52]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. It's a great reminder to all of us that no matter what, those are the moments to look out for because they become your best. They become your best glory.
- [75:59]
Aryna Sabalenka
Stay there, Stay there. Keep fighting. And this is, this is probably the biggest moment.
- [76:04]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. Question number three. What do you think people misunderstand about you that you'd like to clarify?
- [76:10]
Aryna Sabalenka
Well, I think because now I'm sharing myself more on social Media, they have better understanding about me. But I think there's still some people that they think that the way I am on court, this is. Is, like reflection of me off court, which is not true because I think, as I said earlier, you know, I'm. I'm quite aggressive because I'm on court, because I'm fighting for my dream there. And this is not the time where you have to be nice.
- [76:38]
Jay Shetty
Yeah.
- [76:38]
Aryna Sabalenka
Because off the court, I'm much nicer. Like, I'm chill. It's really tough to get into a fight with me, you know, so you have to do something terrible. Terrible.
- [76:48]
Jay Shetty
Yeah.
- [76:49]
Aryna Sabalenka
Probably my boyfriend will say different, but I still think. Yeah. So people misunderstand that. That I'm different.
- [76:58]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. If people say, like, oh, she's too emotional or unstable or whatever it is, you're like, that's just on the court. I have to.
- [77:05]
Aryna Sabalenka
That's. Yeah, that's on the court. That's arena. On the court.
- [77:08]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. And that's not arena, of course.
- [77:10]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah, I get that.
- [77:11]
Jay Shetty
I mean, this sounds ridiculous, but it's so true. Like, me and my friends just play amateur everything. Like, I don't play any sport well, but we get so competitive just playing around. So I can't imagine.
- [77:24]
Aryna Sabalenka
I love watching, like, you know, people.
- [77:26]
Jay Shetty
Yeah.
- [77:27]
Aryna Sabalenka
Play. Play tennis for fun, but I can't imagine. But they're not taking it as fun. You know, they go full.
- [77:32]
Jay Shetty
Exactly. And you're, like, actually playing a tournament. Like, I'm like, I'm pretty. I'm pretty. All my friends know that when we're playing a sport, I'm extremely competitive, and I'm not like that in real life or in person, you know, and that's. And I'm not even playing the final, you know, and so, yeah, there's. There has to be a bit of grace. I feel like there has to be a bit of grace for athletes. I'm like, you realize.
- [77:53]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah, like, a little bit. Like, you know, like, stop yourself and, like, look at everything as a bigger picture, you know, like.
- [77:58]
Jay Shetty
Okay, yeah, definitely. Question number four before the fifth. Which way do I want to go here one day, long time from now? We hope you're going to win so many more Grand Slams. I'm putting out loads of good energy. What would you. When you look back on your career, what would you like for yourself to feel about it? What would you like to say about your own career?
- [78:18]
Aryna Sabalenka
I would love to look back and say, I've done everything I could and I want my career to be remembered, and I want to see Young kids being inspired by me. And I want to look back and know that I actually inspired a lot. And, yeah, I want to be in the history.
- [78:44]
Jay Shetty
I love that, I love that. You already are.
- [78:46]
Aryna Sabalenka
You already are sort of not even close to the greatest, but we're trying.
- [78:52]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, I, I, well, the trying. The trying is the most important part. It's wonderful to hear you say that. It's, it's really special if you remind kids to try. I think that would help a lot of kids.
- [79:01]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah.
- [79:01]
Jay Shetty
Because not, you know, not every kid will become number one, but every kid can try and chase their dream. That would be a good world to live in.
- [79:07]
Aryna Sabalenka
So, so just give your best, and that's, that's all you, you can do.
- [79:12]
Jay Shetty
Yeah. Fifth and final question, Arena. We asked this to every guest who's ever been on the show. The question is, if you could create one law that everyone in the world had to follow, what would it be?
- [79:24]
Aryna Sabalenka
I want everything to be decided in the conversation and no words and stuff. Just like, sit down, speak and figured all of the problems.
- [79:38]
Jay Shetty
That's a great law.
- [79:41]
Aryna Sabalenka
That's all we need in the world right now.
- [79:43]
Jay Shetty
Save a lot of lives. Yeah. Save a lot of lives. Yeah. If we were able to solve things.
- [79:48]
Aryna Sabalenka
By just by talking, sitting, and figuring, then not leaving the room before you figured something.
- [79:55]
Jay Shetty
Yeah, that's a great answer. We never had that before. Irina Sabalenka, congratulations again.
- [79:59]
Aryna Sabalenka
Thank you.
- [80:00]
Jay Shetty
Thank you for doing this. Looking forward to you coming on many years. Usually when people come on once, they come on a few times. So I look forward to doing this with you many, many times.
- [80:08]
Aryna Sabalenka
Yeah. Let's make it as our transition.
- [80:11]
Jay Shetty
Yes. I'd love that. I'd love that. Congrats and thank you for bringing the first ever trophy to the show. You deserve it, and you're a true champion and a true leader. So thank you so much.
- [80:21]
Aryna Sabalenka
Thank you so much for having me. Thank you.
- [80:24]
Jay Shetty
If you love this podcast, you'll love my episode with Lewis Hamilton. Lewis and I talk about why you should stop chasing society's definition of success and how to be more intentional with your goals. You don't want to miss it. Like, it's not about being perfect. It's about just every day, one step at a time, trying to be better, trying to do more. I'm learning a lot about myself. I have to break myself down in order to be able to be better. This episode of On Purpose is brought to you by Chase Sapphire Reserve. I believe that travel is one of the greatest gifts that we've ever been given and Chase Sapphire Reserve has been my gateway to the world's most captivating destinations. When I use my Chase Sapphire Reserve card, I get eight times the points on all the purchases I make through Chase Travel and even access to one of a kind experiences. Experiences like music festivals and sporting events. And that's not even mentioning how the card gets me into the Sapphire Layout Lounge by the club at select airports nationwide. Travel is more rewarding with Chase Sapphire Reserve. Trust me. Discover more@chase.com Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank NA member FDIC subject to credit approval terms apply. This is Jay Shetty from On Purpose if you've ever felt off balance, sometimes a change of scenery is the best reset Delta invited four creators to explore one idea what if travel isn't just movement but recharging in motion? And the results based on their Oura Ring Sleep scores. Everyone met the day feeling more rested and a sense of clarity. Stayed long after the trip with Delta. Fly and live better. Better explore the whole journey on Delta's YouTube channel. Lately I've been trying to be more intentional, even with small decisions like cooking at home instead of ordering out. It's simple, but it helps me save for things that truly matter. That's why I love the State Farm Personal Price Plan. It lets you bundle home and auto insurance to create an affordable price that fits your needs. It's one of those those thoughtful choices that support the life you're trying to build. Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal price plan. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts and savings and eligibility vary by state.
- [83:05]
Aryna Sabalenka
This is an iHeart podcast.