By Alberto Amalfi | @Tennis_Now | Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Photo: ESPN
NEW YORK – Some players have loyal fan followings.
Aryna Sabalenka inspires the impressionists.
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Two-time Australian Open champion Sabalenka took on her Mini Me at Louis Armstrong Stadium today.
After her 6-3, 6-1 win in the second round of the US Open Lucia BronzettiSecond-generation Sabalenka spotted her mini-doppelganger in the crowd and pulled her close for a photo.
The little girl wore the same purple Nike outfit and carried a toy Tiger on her forearm for Sabalenka’s famous tattoo.
Stop what you’re doing, we’ve got the tournament moment from @SabalenkaA
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— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 28, 2024
The 2023 US Open finalist said she spotted the new fan on the big screen setting the stage for the cute encounter.
“It was a really adorable moment. I just looked up and saw on the big screen, like ‘mini with me,'” Sabalenka said afterwards. “It was really nice (laughing).
“It’s such a motivation to continue to inspire the younger generation. That’s the main goal. Yeah, it was a really adorable moment.”
The former world number 1 said it is the first time a fan has gone full on Sabalenka at one of her matches.
“The first time I see someone, how to dress — to dress like me and have a little tattoo and a little tiger,” said Sabalenka, who will play 29th-ranked Ekaterina Alexandrova in the third round . “How cute is she?”
