Aryna Sabalenka is making headlines at the 2026 French Open after an electrifying performance against Naomi Osaka on 1 June, where she triumphed with a score of 7-5, 6-3. The match, held at the famed Roland Garros, marked a significant milestone as it was Sabalenka’s first night match at the tournament. Following her victory, the Belarusian tennis star showcased her playful side by performing a moonwalk, an iconic dance made famous by the late Michael Jackson.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Aryna-Sabalenka-french-open-2-060226-1a53860ba0324145b004be3df0f0d785.jpg)
During the post-match celebrations, former tennis professional Fabrice Santoro, who was commentating, prompted Sabalenka to share a victory dance with the crowd. Initially hesitant, she jokingly asked, “Here?” while still on the court. However, her spirit won out when she declared she would dance “only if everyone [in the stadium] is dancing”. With cheers from the audience, Santoro arranged for the music, and soon Michael Jackson’s classic “Thriller” filled the venue.
As the iconic track played, Sabalenka transformed the court into a stage, starting with a light warm-up before embracing the full essence of Jackson’s legendary dance moves. The crowd rallied behind her, and as she concluded her routine with an energetic moonwalk, the atmosphere was electric.
After the match, Sabalenka took to Instagram to reflect on her experience under the floodlit skies of Paris. “Moonwalking on Chartrier feels very appropriate for my first @rolandgarros night match,” she wrote, thanking her fans for sharing the moment with her. Her post further revealed a video clip capturing her spirited performance, a definite highlight of the evening.
Both Sabalenka and Osaka boast impressive credentials, each being four-time Grand Slam champions. However, Osaka has struggled recently against Sabalenka, suffering her third consecutive defeat in 2026. Following her loss, Osaka spoke candidly with the press, revealing her struggle with disappointment after matches. “I’ve played her multiple times and sadly lost multiple times,” she explained. “But I can’t let myself be discouraged every time I lose,” reminding herself of the importance of perseverance in the sport.
In contrast to Osaka’s introspective approach, Sabalenka has been open about the challenges she’s faced, including recent backlash regarding her extravagant style choices at the tournament. In her first-round match, she wore an extravagant combination of diamond-and-garnet necklaces, weighing a staggering 200 carats. When questioned about her choice of jewellery in light of a recent petition with fellow players for increased prize money, she stated, “Diamonds, I don’t really feel the heaviness, but I can imagine how it looks from the outside.”
Sabalenka defended her glamorous appearance, explaining that her intention was to feel comfortable and confident while playing. “It’s important to look good,” she stated, distancing her style choices from the ongoing discussions about prize money in tennis.
In a further elaboration, she expressed that her advocacy for enhanced prize funds is not a personal endeavour but rather a fight for lower-ranked players who struggle in the professional tennis circuit. “It has nothing to do with me that I’m fighting for the prize money,” she reiterated, emphasising the pressing need to support those less fortunate in the sport.
As the tournament progresses, both players remain in the limelight, not only for their significant achievements on the court but also for their candid insights off it. With Sabalenka eyeing a place in the quarter-finals, fans can expect more thrilling performances to come, both in terms of her athletic prowess and her vibrant personality.
The camaraderie and friendly rivalry between Sabalenka and Osaka exemplify their dedication to tennis, where the spirit of competition is often interlaced with moments of joy and laughter. As they navigate through the high-stakes environment of the French Open, their journey highlights the multifaceted world of professional sports, where skill meets personality in spectacular fashion.