How Tennis Champ Aryna Sabalenka Spends an Off Day in New York City

Being a professional athlete requires constant travel. But for tennis champion Aryna Sabalenka, a trip to New York City calls for the perfect mix of work and play. “I love this city. It means everything to me,” she told Chase Travel. When she’s not serving on the courts, the city becomes her playground, where she eats omakase flown in fresh from Japan, finds sweets and jewelry in SoHo and takes walks through Central Park, coffee in hand.

Where to Eat

The views of The Vessel in Hudson Yards are just one reason Sabalenka loves Estiatorio Milos.

In New York City, the food options are endless. When Sabalenka’s in town, she enjoys the full spectrum on offer, from seabass with a side of views in Hudson Yards to pancakes downtown at Golden Diner. Consult her picks along with recs from our friends at The Infatuation when planning your next trip.

Estiatorio Milos
Hudson Yards

Take Sabalenka’s advice and order salt-baked fish for dinner.

“My boyfriend Georgios, who’s part Greek, loves to take me out for Mediterranean food, and Milos is one of our favorites,” she said. “Being able to select your fresh fish in person is so cool, and the quality of the food is always perfect. We always go for seabass cooked in salt, and the side of fried zucchini. Plus, it has a great view and the vibe is super chill and beautiful.”

Hamburger America
SoHo

Nothing beats a hamburger on a day off.

On days off, Sabalenka’s “top craving is undeniable: a greasy, cheesy, perfect hamburger,” she said. She loves this low-key spot because of its simple ingredients and lists the fried onion burger as one of her favorite items to order.

Nougatine
Upper West Side

“During tennis tournaments in New York, I have a few rituals, and coming here for breakfast was one of the best,” Sabalenka said. “I always get the avocado toast with eggs. Everything is amazing, from the quality of the ingredients to the chill vibe and easy service.”

Golden Diner
Chinatown

Known for offering some of the best pancakes in the city, this is where Sabalenka heads for “a guilty pleasure breakfast.” “The real secret,” she explained, “is their homemade syrup. It’s to die for.”

Sushi Noz
Upper East Side

For an unforgettable omakase experience in New York City, head uptown to Sushi Noz.

“No trip to New York would be complete without coming to Sushi Noz,” said Sabalenka, who lists this Upper East Side mainstay as her go-to omakase spot.

Stick With Me
SoHo

“If I’m in the mood for chocolate,” she said, “this place is an easy decision to make. They have the best chocolate bonbons in the city. Mouthwatering and delicious.”

What to Do

Sabalenka’s favorite spots in Midtown West include a knockout Mediterranean restaurant and a nail salon.

When she’s not traveling nonstop for work, Sabalenka likes to use free time to grab coffee, shop and treat herself, her friends and her team.

Central Park
Upper East Side and Upper West Side

A go-to activity when she’s in town for tennis tournaments is strolling through the park, she said: “Americano in hand, headphones on. Nothing clears my head more.”

1 Nail Salon
Midtown West

“For a little self-care stop, nothing hits the reset button like a trip to my favorite nail salon, where the people I know and trust always take great care of me,” Sabalenka said.

Material Good
SoHo

Material Good is the place to shop when you’re in the market for designer bags and custom jewelry.

“There’s no retail therapy better than shopping in New York,” said Sabalenka, who heads straight to Material Good in Soho for its selection of designer bags and custom jewelry.

Where to Stay 

When she’s in New York City, Sabalenka opts to stay in Midtown, where it’s easy to access tennis facilities and Central Park. Out of all the swoonworthy hotels in the area, Sabalenka prefers the splendor of the Baccarat Hotel New York.

Baccarat Hotel New York
Midtown
Member of The Edit by Chase Travel

Rows and rows of glittering crystal glass? Must be the Baccarat Hotel New York.

Located steps from top museums in Manhattan’s Midtown neighborhood, the Baccarat Hotel offers guests a luxurious stay. “The location is great, the rooms are beautiful, the lobby bar and spa are all excellent,” said Sabalenka, who recommends the hotel for business and leisure travelers alike. The hotel has 114 royally decorated rooms and suites, a spa, a pool and a French restaurant and bar.