PICTURES: Aryna Sabalenka hits the beach in red bikini as she makes the most of Maldives getaway, captures supermodel Irina Shayk’s attentio

After a long and intense season on the WTA Tour, Aryna Sabalenka is finally embracing a well-deserved break, and she is making every moment of it unforgettable. The World No.1 has escaped to the Maldives for a tropical holiday, and her latest Instagram updates have already become the talk of the tennis world. Dressed in a bold red bikini that highlighted her confidence and striking presence, Sabalenka’s beach photos effortlessly captured the attention of fans and even caught the eye of international supermodel Irina Shayk.

Sabalenka’s 2025 season has been one of the strongest of her career. She started the year by returning to the Australian Open, where she reached the final once again. Although she fell just short of defending her title, her performance only fueled her determination. She went on to lift trophies at both the Miami Open and the Madrid Open, reinforcing her dominance on hard and clay courts alike. Her impressive level continued through Roland Garros, where she finished as runner-up after another deep run.

The highlight of her year arrived in September when she powered her way to the US Open title. This victory not only marked her fourth Grand Slam triumph but also solidified her position at the top of the WTA rankings. Sabalenka ended her season with another strong showing at the WTA Finals, where she finished as runner-up and proved yet again why she is one of the most consistent players on tour.

With such a demanding schedule behind her, Sabalenka has switched from tennis whites to vacation vibes. She posted a series of photos from her Maldives getaway, relaxing beside crystal-blue waters with her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis. The images showed a different side of Sabalenka, one filled with ease, warmth, and joy, far away from the intensity of stadium lights and roaring crowds.

The red bikini she wore became an instant highlight of her holiday carousel. Fans flooded the comments with compliments, but it was the subtle reaction from Irina Shayk that stood out. The Russian supermodel, known for her glamorous presence on international runways, dropped a like and added to the growing attention around Sabalenka’s tropical escape. It was a small gesture, but one that quickly added even more buzz to the tennis star’s vacation posts.

Even while relaxing, Sabalenka’s lively personality continues to shine. Fresh from her media obligations at the WTA Finals, she joked about how eager she was to hop on the first flight to the Maldives. During a press conference, when asked about swimming with sharks, Sabalenka openly admitted that it remains her greatest fear. Her candid reaction had the room laughing, and she later shared that she hopes to conquer the fear someday, although she is not entirely convinced she will go through with it.

Her holiday checklist, however, has one priority: getting the perfect tan. Sabalenka confessed that she wants to even out her tan lines and enjoy the sun after months of indoor courts and global travel. Her playful comments about wanting “just one color” added a light and relatable touch to her otherwise demanding athlete lifestyle.

When stepping back to consider her overall performance this year, it becomes clear why this vacation is so necessary. Sabalenka has maintained a level of excellence matched by only a few in tennis history. From opening the year as World No.1 to finishing it with another Grand Slam title, she has delivered resilience, power, and determination throughout the season.

Now, as she relaxes by the turquoise shores of the Maldives, fans get a chance to see Aryna Sabalenka in a rare state: calm, carefree, and glowing with happiness. This getaway shows a softer side of the champion, one that reminds the world that even the fiercest competitors deserve moments of peace.

Her return to the tour will no doubt come with renewed energy, but for now, Sabalenka is savoring every second of her tropical retreat. With the sun on her skin, the ocean at her feet, and the world watching, her Maldives holiday is already one of the most talked-about off-court moments of the season.