Aryna Sabalenka asked bizarre question by journalist about Jannik Sinner beauty comparison at Rome Open

Aryna Sabalenka had an interesting response to the media during an interaction just before the start of the Madrid Open. The 27-year-old is widely regarded as the best player currently playing in women’s tennis in the singles category.

Sabalenka spoke to the media ahead of playing her first match of the Rome Open. The WTA 1000 event is set to begin on Wednesday, where top players from all over the world will participate to showcase their talent and secure the ultimate prize.

During her interaction with the media, the reigning world number one was informed by a journalist that a fan called Italy’s Jannik Sinner ‘handsome’ as he was training ahead of his much-awaited comeback after a three-month ban following an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Sabalenka had an interesting response to that as she stated: "I mean I always felt connected to Italy to be honest, so grazie mille (a thousand thanks). I don't know what to say on that. Thank you."

Sabalenka is going through an impressive season. The Minsk-born star has only managed to win three titles this season, but she played in six finals despite taking part in just eight events in 2025. Sabalenka’s most recent appearance was at the Madrid Open, where she lifted the title after beating America’s Coco Gauff in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 7-6. Earlier, she lifted the Miami Open after beating America’s Pegula in the final in straight sets with a score of 7-5, 6-2. Her first title this year was Brisbane International, where she defeated Polina Kudermetova in the final with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Those deep runs in the tournaments have ensured that Sabalenka now has a firm grip on the top spot in the WTA rankings. She is sitting with 11,118 rating points, nearly 3,500 points ahead of second-placed Poland’s Iga Swiatek.