Aryna Sabalenka & OAKBERRY Treat Tennis Fans Ahead of US Open

Aryna Sabalenka and OAKBERRY have teamed up ahead of the US Open.
Aryna Sabalenka teams up with OAKBERRY.
Aryna Sabalenka teams up with OAKBERRY. / OAKBERRY

On the heels of winning the Cincinnati Open, two-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka has arrived in New York City ahead of the US Open. Much to the delight of fans, Sabalenka has teamed up with OAKBERRY to launch her first nutrition product nationwide.

The No. 2 ranked player in the world and 2024 Australian Open title holder introduced her own wholesome creation: the "POWER SERVE BOWL by Sabalenka" – her first signature açaí bowl, at the flagship OAKBERRY store in New York City on Tuesday, August 20.

To celebrate the nationwide launch, Sabalenka welcomed a throng of delighted tennis fans and avid OAKBERRY invitees behind the counter at the OAKBERRY store on Lexington Avenue, where she personally served up the nutritious blend for all those in attendance to commemorate the roll-out of her debut signature açaí bowl in all OAKBERRY stores across the country.

As part of the exciting announcement, Serve on SI spoke with Sabalenka about her partnership with OAKBERRY and preparation for the US Open.

Aryna Sabalenka serves OAKBERRY to customers.
Aryna Sabalenka serves OAKBERRY to fans. / OAKBERRY

What made you want to partner with OAKBERRY?

"It's the perfect partnership for me. I've always taken care of how I feed my body, and I'm crazy about sweets. For me, this is a healthy snack, and it's like a whole meal because you can put everything you need in that bowl. It's really cool and a perfect fit because it's healthy and gives you a lot of energy."

What was the design process like for your signature açaí bowl?

"It was really cool! It's important for me to have a partnership where I can come up with my own signature stuff. This bowl is full of stuff I really like, and the design is beautiful, and the name is awesome. It's something I'm really excited."

Aryna Sabalenka holds OAKBERRY.
Aryna Sabalenka at OAKBERRY. / OAKBERRY

I know OAKBERRY is one of your favorite nutritious treats. Is there any part of your diet that you hate?

"I have a sweet tooth, and sweets are something I'm really crazy about. But I cannot have them during the tournaments or preparation weeks. But this is actually something I can eat during the tournament because it's sweet, but it's fruit, so it's healthy."

So you've looked great on the court. Is the shoulder injury behind you, or is it something you have to manage?

"Finally, I'm really happy to say that this injury is behind already and is in the past. I would definitely say that the first two tournaments after the injury, I was kind of struggling with the fear of getting injured again. But I don't know; something just clicked in Cincinnati, and I'm really happy about that.

I kind of just let it go. Now, I feel protected and safe with the shoulder. I'm super happy that it's in the past. But now it's part of my routine to keep doing all the rehab exercises to make sure my shoulder is strong."

Aryna Sabalenka in an OAKBERRY store.
Aryna Sabalenka with her OAKBERRY posters. / OAKBERRY

On a lighter note, is the tiger plushie going with you to the US Open?

"Of course! The tiger is always with me. On my arm, it's in my soul, it's in my blood. It's always there!"

If you could wave a magic wand and change one rule in tennis, what would it be?

"I don't know, that's a tough one. I should have prepared for that one... I would definitely bring coaching back because I think we would have lots of highlights of me talking with my coach. It would be so much fun. Also, maybe I'd make the courts longer, so I could hit the ball harder (laughs)."

What music have you been listening to before matches lately?

"You know, it's a mix. Definitely House music. I'm actually now really into Brazilian music. Some Alt music from the 1980s and 1990s. It's a really crazy mix, and it depends on the mood."

Which player on tour has the best TikTok dances, and why is it you?

"I'm actually not following anybody on TikTok. I just post my own TikToks and hope that people like it and don't think I'm so crazy (laughs)."

Interview: Madison Keys shares her secrets to training for the US Open.


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Pat Benson

PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.