The journey begins
In a spectacular comeback, Aryna Sabalenka clinched the US Open title on September 7, defeating Jessica Pegula with a score of 7-5, 7-5. This victory not only marked her return to glory but also signified a pivotal moment in her career, especially after the heartbreaking loss to Coco Gauff in last year’s final.
Overcoming the Ghosts of the Past
Sabalenka had to confront her own ghosts in the final, as the memories of her previous defeat loomed large. Leading 7-5, 3-0, she experienced a dramatic shift in momentum, losing five consecutive games and putting her championship hopes in jeopardy. The haunting memory of her previous final, where she smashed her racket in frustration, was ever-present. Her aggressive playing style, while powerful, had often backfired, creating mental barriers. However, this year revealed a different Sabalenka—a player who demonstrated remarkable calmness and resilience.
A Newly Found Calm
The key difference between Sabalenka’s performance this year and last was her mental approach. She maintained control during crucial moments, refusing to let the match slip away as it had at Arthur Ashe Stadium the previous year. When trailing 3-5 in the second set, she rallied to win four consecutive games, securing the victory in just under two hours. Reflecting on her triumph, Sabalenka said, “After past failures, I realized I had only one option: to fight until the end. In the past, I would have tightened up under pressure, but this time, I played with ease, knowing the ball would eventually hit the net.”
From Adversity to Triumph
Sabalenka’s journey has been filled with challenges, including the tragic death of her boyfriend just a month after she won the Australian Open. Following this loss, she struggled with injuries that forced her to miss Wimbledon and the Olympics. However, she came back stronger, winning 12 consecutive matches and claiming titles in both Cincinnati and New York. With an impressive 18 wins in 19 Grand Slam matches this year, Sabalenka has proven her resilience, with her only loss coming to Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros.
Looking back on her US Open victory, Sabalenka expressed her overwhelming emotions: “I don’t know how to describe my feelings. I was both crying and laughing. It’s an amazing feeling after everything I’ve been through.” Her journey is one of transformation, showcasing not only her unmatched strength on the court but also her mental growth.
Joining the Ranks of Legends
In the final against Pegula, Sabalenka displayed tactical play, approaching the net 23 times and winning 18 points from those attempts. Her performance drew comparisons to tennis legend Martina Navratilova, renowned for her net-playing skills. With this victory, Sabalenka joins the ranks of elite female tennis players, including legends like Steffi Graf and Victoria Azarenka, becoming the latest player to reach the final of four consecutive hard-court Grand Slam tournaments. She has won three of them: the 2023 Australian Open, the 2024 Australian Open, and now the 2024 US Open.
Sabalenka’s journey underscores the importance of resilience, mental strength, and tactical development in achieving success. As she continues to grow both as a player and a person, the tennis world eagerly anticipates her next steps on the court.
