The Essentials List: Aryna Sabalenka on partnering with Oakberry and her essentials on and off the court
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It took tennis player Aryna Sabalenka two hard-fought weeks to defend her title at the Australian Open in January, but she only celebrated the championship for a few hours. “My team and I had some fun — we drank a little bit, and I had some sugar,” she says. “But I had to leave quite early because I had a photoshoot with my trophy the next morning!”
As the native Belarusian points out, being a highly ranked, internationally renowned athlete requires major discipline, which encompasses everything from sleep to nutrition. “I try to be super-strict on and off the court,” she says. “I feel like it’s all connected.”
Regularly snacking on healthy smoothies, protein bars and acai bowls from Oakberry fits right in with her regimen. That’s why she kicked off her 2024 season by announcing a partnership with the food franchise. “I really care about what I’m filling my body with,” she says, noting that she also feels “a strong connection” with its two founders because “we both followed our dreams.”
Though Sabalenka now calls Florida her home base, she’s on the road for much of the year and likes to fulfill her Oakberry cravings via its 600-plus stores. “I love all the travel,” she says. “I can’t stay in one place for so long. I’m already thinking about what I’m going to do after my tennis career because I need to keep it up!”
Below, Sabalenka shares some of her everyday must-haves with CNN Underscored.
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50
Like anyone who primarily works outdoors, Sabalenka prioritizes skin protection. Her sunscreen of choice features a lightweight formula that goes on clear, doesn’t leave any residue and is formulated to be sweat- and water- resistant for up to 80 minutes. “I always keep it in my bag,” Sabalenka says. “It stays there on my face and doesn’t come into my eyes when I’m on the court. It’s so good for sport!”
Kevin Murphy Blow Dry Wash Shampoo
This made-in-Australia shampoo from Kevin Murphy uses sulfate-free pea protein and wood bark complex to strengthen and protect hair against breakage and heat damage. Sabalenka loves using this cleanser because it makes her hair “look amazing” and leaves it soft, healthy and hydrated.
Samsonite Outline Pro Large Spinner
She goes big so she doesn’t have to go home. “I have a lot of Samsonite luggage, but I love the large one because I travel with so much stuff,” Sabalenka says. The bag, which has dual spinner wheels for easy handling and a durable shell, also has a built-in lock, zippered pockets and compression panel dividers.
Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless Headphones
These leather noise-canceling wireless headphones provide up to 30 hours of battery life and are crucial for getting in the zone before matches. “I just need to turn from the outside and listen,” she says. Among the motivational tunes on her playlist are “Eye of the Tiger,” “Roar,” “Dance the Night,” “I Will Survive,” and the Kiss classic “I Was Made for Lovin’ You.”
Nike Air Jordan 1 Low
As a Nike global ambassador, the athlete gets her pick of shoes with the famous swoosh, but the Air Jordans score the best with her. “They’re all really comfortable and just look cool,” she says.
Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Face Mask With Brightening Vitamin C
“Some masks can be really sticky and uncomfortable,” she says. "But this one is perfect. I don’t even remember that I have it on!” It’s also a two-stepper: First, apply the cooling serum all over the skin. Then, put on the hydrating, vitamin-enriched mask for 30 minutes for glowy skin.
Ultraceuticals Ultra Brightening Foaming Cleanser
Sabalenka washes her face with this silky cleanser that she discovered in Australia. The cleanser, which removes daily residue and makeup, also moisturizes and brightens the complexion thanks to ingredients like linoleic acid and cucumber extract. “This is the one that’s best for my skin,” she says. “It’s not that heavy, and it doesn’t dry me out.”
Oakberry Classic Acai Bowl
The tennis pro likes digging into the custom-made, acai-based snack, which can be topped with nutrient-rich foods such as peanut butter, coconut, blueberries and strawberries. “You get vitamins, protein and carbohydrates in one bowl,” she says. “And it tastes sweet without that much sugar.” Aside from pickup at Oakberry locations, delivery is available in California, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C. with Uber Eats.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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