Aryna Sabalenka broke her silence on social media after claiming her fourth Grand Slam title, defeating Amanda Anisimova in a thrilling US Open final on Saturday.
The victory marked a moment of redemption for the Belarusian star, who had been ousted by Anisimova in the Wimbledon semi-finals less than three months ago.
At Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, Sabalenka proved unstoppable, sweeping aside the 24-year-old American with a 6-3, 7-6 (3) win in front of a capacity crowd.
The triumph not only cemented her status as world No. 1 but also earned her a record-breaking $5 million (£3.7 million) prize, the largest payout in the tournament’s history.
Following the win, Sabalenka shared her joy and gratitude on Instagram, thanking both fans and her team for their unwavering support. “I’m speechless right now,” she wrote.
“All of the tough lessons I’ve learned this past season… this win makes it all worth it. It’s beyond my wildest dream to be holding this trophy again. Amanda Anisimova, you are incredible and played your heart out this tournament. Keep going.”
A year of lessons and perseverance
The victory comes after a challenging season for Sabalenka, who faced heartbreak in the finals of both the French Open and the Australian Open earlier in the year.
“After those two finals where I completely lost control over my emotions, I just didn’t want that to happen again,” she admitted. “There were a few moments when I was this close to just let it go. I was like ‘C’mon now, you have to stay focused. Keep going, keep trying.’ It’s really helped me.”
Throughout the tournament, Sabalenka demonstrated remarkable mental resilience, maintaining focus during tense moments and leveraging lessons learned from previous setbacks.
“I think I have to keep the same mindset every time, hopefully I’m going to make many more finals, so every time I’m in the final, I have to stick to the same plan,” she said.
Her post-match Instagram message extended gratitude to the fans and her support network: “To the fans, thank you for your support. I hear you and see you, and having you behind me cheering me on, at my highs and lows, is what pushes me to do my best every time I step on the court. Team Tiger forever. To my team, I wouldn’t be here without you, but don’t forget you wouldn’t be here without me. You are my backbone. The unwavering support you give me, traveling with me around the world, being by my side 24/7, 365 days a year. This trophy is also yours. And New York, I love you.”
For Sabalenka, the US Open victory is more than just another trophy. It symbolizes the culmination of resilience, hard work, and determination over a season marked by challenges and emotional growth.
Fans worldwide will undoubtedly remember her dominance in Flushing Meadows as a testament to her talent and mental fortitude.
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