Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek strike a pose at Lusail Towers: Tennis meets art in Qatar

The sleek silhouette of the Lusail Towers stood tall against the Qatari sky as two of tennis’s brightest stars—Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek—took center stage for an unforgettable promotional event ahead of the Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2025.

Against the backdrop of the stunning whale shark art installation - Al Nehem, the pair showcased their skills on a specially constructed tennis court, blending sport, art, and innovation in a celebration of Qatar’s vibrant spirit.

The event unfolded next to one of Qatar’s famous landmarks: a breathtaking art installation depicting a life-sized whale shark swimming gracefully across the walls of the Lusail Towers. Created by renowned artist Marco Balich, the installation symbolized Qatar’s commitment to marine conservation while paying homage to its rich cultural heritage.

It was here that organizers decided to build a temporary tennis court—a striking juxtaposition of modern athleticism against the serene beauty of the mural.

As Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek stepped onto the court, they couldn’t help but marvel at the creativity surrounding them.

With cameras rolling and spectators gathered nearby, the two champions began hitting balls under the warm Qatari sun. Their powerful groundstrokes echoed off the walls of the towers, creating a rhythmic harmony with the gentle hum of the city around them. Each shot seemed to mirror the fluidity of the whale shark depicted in the mural, drawing parallels between the grace of the animal and the precision of their play.

Their enthusiasm was infectious, drawing cheers from the crowd and sparking conversations about how sports can intersect with art and environmental awareness.

After the light-hearted rally, it was time for the main event: the photo stunt. Positioned strategically near the mural, Sabalenka and Świątek struck dynamic poses that highlighted their athleticism and personalities. One standout image featured Sabalenka mid-serve, her racquet slicing through the air as the whale shark installation appeared to glide behind her. Another showed Świątek mid-backhand, her focus perfectly complementing the calm intensity of the design.

As Qatar prepared to welcome the world’s top players to its courts, one thing was certain: this year’s edition of the tournament would go down in history—not just for its thrilling matches, but for its ability to inspire beyond the boundaries of sport.