Aryna Sabalenka put her head in her hands after dancing for the Rod Laver Arena crowd (Image: Eurosport)
was left cringing after her on-court interview turned into chaos.
After winning the in 2023 and 2024, the Belarusian is seeking a third successive title in Melbourne and she got off to a great start on Sunday, handily beating Sloane Stephens.
But things took a turn when she addressed the fans in Rod Laver Arena and started dancing for the 15,000-strong crowd.
Sabalenka had a tough draw at the , coming up against former US Open champion Stephens in the first round. After blowing a 4-0 lead, the top seed recovered to win 6-3 6-2.
As Stephens left the court, the reigning champion stepped up for her interview with Jelena Dokic. After claiming she felt like Melbourne was “home”, the topic suddenly turned to one of Sabalenka’s traditions at the tournament.
The 26-year-old enjoys making videos with her team and, last year, she started the tournament by sharing a dancing clip with them. It paid off and she won the title so Sabalenka took no chances in 2025, posting another during practice week.
And Dokic was keen to see Sabalenka in action. “Enough tennis, you’ve got a bit of a tradition now when you come to Australia,” the retired tennis star said.
Aryna Sabalenka and Jelena Dokic danced for the crowd (Image: Eurosport)
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“I know you like your dancing, your dancing. So you did one last year and you did one this year as well, it’s now a real tradition.”
The big screens on Rod Laver Arena quickly cut to a video of Sabalenka’s latest dance with her team. “I mean, I’m trying my best,” the world No. 1 laughed. “As you can see, I’m not the best dancer but I’m trying my best.”
Dokic was keen to see more, adding: “But I have a question, I’ve noticed something. You always dance but there is no one in the crowd. So I have an idea.”
The crowd quickly erupted into cheers, encouraging Sabalenka to bust her moves there and then. “Only if the whole crowd join me,” Sabalenka replied.
Dokic offered to help her out and Sabalenka agreed. The world No. 1 led the way as music filled the stadium and Dokic followed her lead. Even A-Lister Rebel Wilson, who was front row in the crowd, got involved.
After a few seconds, Sabalenka had enough, burying her face in her hands as she laughed. She added: “Now they have proof that I’m the worst dancer!”
Dokic thanked the Belarusian for joining in, joking that she now needed to see the physio following her own attempts at dancing.
Sabalenka continued to document her journey as she left the court, taking a photo of the crowd on her Polaroid camera.
The 26-year-old clearly feels more than comfortable on the hallowed courts of Melbourne Park and she will be hoping her dancing can help her clinch the title again.