Aryna Sabalenka Poised for US Open Triumph: A Quest Fueled by Determination and Resilience
Aryna Sabalenka is on the brink of conquering the US Open after three near misses at tennis’ final grand slam of the year. Despite two semifinal exits and a heartbreaking final defeat, Sabalenka is more determined than ever to lift the winner’s trophy in New York.
Entering this year’s US Open as a strong favorite, Sabalenka is riding high after clinching her 15th WTA title in Cincinnati without dropping a set. The Belarusian is returning to Flushing Meadows with renewed confidence, aiming to become the ninth first-time champion in the last 10 tournaments.
“Sport is unpredictable, especially tennis,” Sabalenka told CNN Sport. “I’m focused on bringing my best game to the court and hoping to add my name to the list of new US Open winners.”
Last year’s loss to Coco Gauff in the final was a tough pill to swallow. Sabalenka, known for her intense passion on the court, was visibly devastated, later admitting that she had been overthinking during the match. The loss served as a valuable lesson, and Sabalenka is determined not to repeat the same mistakes.
Balancing her intense tennis schedule with personal downtime has been crucial for the 26-year-old. “I need to fight for every point, but I also need time to relax,” she says. “Last year, I was successful because I managed to separate tennis from my personal life, which is essential for maintaining my mental health.”
Sabalenka’s Cincinnati victory marked her first title since her Australian Open triumph earlier this year. Despite a shoulder injury that forced her to withdraw from Wimbledon, Sabalenka returned to action with a renewed hunger for success. Her confidence grew with each match, and by the time she reached Cincinnati, she was back to her best, overpowering her opponents with her signature power game.
Many believe that Sabalenka’s enforced break from tennis might benefit her in the long run, allowing her to reset mentally and physically. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova suggested that Sabalenka might be fresher than her competitors, having missed the grueling Olympic schedule.
Sabalenka’s recent success also saw her rise to No. 2 in the world rankings after defeating top-ranked Iga Świątek and No. 6 Jessica Pegula in Cincinnati. Her victory over Świątek, ending a three-match losing streak against the Pole, was a significant breakthrough, showcasing Sabalenka’s ability to dominate even the toughest opponents.
Reflecting on her year, Sabalenka expressed pride in her achievements, both on and off the court. Despite facing personal challenges, including the tragic loss of her ex-boyfriend, former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov, she has remained focused on her goals.
As the US Open approaches, Sabalenka’s focus is clear. “Everyone wants to be world No. 1 and win the biggest tournaments,” she says. “But for me, the main goal is to keep improving as a player and a person every day.”
With her eyes set on the US Open title, Sabalenka is prepared to give it her all. “You have to bring your best, fight as hard as you can, and hope for the best,” she says. This determined mindset may be the key to finally achieving her grand slam dream.
