- Aryna Sabalenka is the woman to beat at the Australian Open
- The number one in the world has accumulated 30 million dollars in her career
- Strong contrast with Australian fighter Destanee Aiava
The astronomical monetary divide in world tennis couldn’t be clearer when comparing world number one Aryna Sabalenka to Australian prodigy-turned-fighter Destanee Aiava, who has had to resort to purchasing her first-round uniform. of the Australian Open on Facebook.
While Sabalenka, 26, is chasing her third consecutive Australian Open title and this week sporting a watch worth $230,000, Melbourne-raised Aiava lives a very different lifestyle.
The 24-year-old was elated on Thursday after qualifying for the main draw for the first time since 2021.
And rightly so, even if he fails to beat his first round opponent, Belgian Greet Minnen, Aiava is guaranteed to take home $132,000 in prize money.
If Aiava, who at 14 was the highest-ranked player for her age in the world, advances to the second round, an impressive $200,000 awaits her, plus a personal achievement to savor: more than $1 million in prize money in his career.
Not bad for the player who plans to wear a blue Adidas kit she saw on Facebook Marketplace for $35 when her first-round match rolls around on Monday.
The astronomical monetary divide in world tennis couldn’t be clearer when comparing world number one Aryna Sabalenka to Australian junior prodigy turned wrestler Destanee Aiava (pictured).
Sabalenka, 26, is chasing her third consecutive Australian Open title and has been sporting a watch worth $230,000 this week (pictured left, circled in red).
Sabalenka has $3 odds at most sportsbooks on winning the tournament, and you could set your price for Destanee Aiava (pictured, with fellow 2024 winner Jannik Sinner).
“It was a robbery,” said the world number 195 The age. ‘I’ve had problems with clothing sponsorships for the last few years.
‘I love my fashion and I always love vintage dresses that are no longer worn.
“It’s been fun bringing them back.”
Aiava also paid tribute to her fiancé Corey, whom she leaned on heavily during previous mental health battles.
“I think definitely being happy off the court impacts my results,” he said.
“Yes, he has been a great help, he has been by my side through many things.”
Inexplicably, Aiava was shamed this week on X by several ‘fans’ on social media.
Meanwhile, the contrast to life on the professional circuit when it comes to Sabalenka is striking.
Having won three Grand Slam titles in her career, Sabalenka has amassed more than $30 million in prize money so far after turning professional in 2015.
Inexplicably, Aiava was shamed this week on X by several tennis ‘fans’ on social media
Belarus Pride is sponsored by companies such as Nike, Wilson, watchmaker Audemars Piguet and Whoop.
Private jets are the norm as she sails around the world each year, and Sabalenka is also dating wealthy superfood entrepreneur Georgios Frangulis.
Born in Brazil, Frangulis is the founder of superfood brand Oakberry, which sponsored the Haas F1 team and partnered with Sabalenka after the couple’s romance began.
Sabalenka has a $3 chance at most sportsbooks to win the tournament, and you could set your price for Aiava.
The Australian Open begins on Sunday, January 12.