After a series of near misses and tough defeats, Aryna Sabalenka has finally claimed her place atop the tennis world by winning the US Open.
Despite losing in the semi-finals twice and suffering a heart-wrenching defeat to Coco Gauff in last year’s final, Sabalenka has finally clinched the trophy.
Overcoming Last Year’s Setbacks
Last year, it wasn’t just Gauff’s skill that posed a challenge for Sabalenka; the New York crowd’s support for the American also played a role.
This year, Sabalenka faced another American, Jessica Pegula, and this time she managed the pressure much more effectively, securing a 7-5, 7-5 victory.
A New Era for Sabalenka
At 26 years old, Sabalenka now holds three Grand Slam titles, having previously won two Australian Opens.
Her game has matured significantly, and she is now considered a formidable contender for all three Grand Slams outside of Roland Garros, where Iga Swiatek currently reigns supreme.
The Tiger Within
While modern tennis may lack creative nicknames, Sabalenka’s tiger tattoo on her left forearm perfectly reflects her fierce and powerful playing style.
Her roar on the court is as intimidating as her game.
A Fun Tradition with a Twist
Sabalenka’s tradition of signing coach Jason Stacy’s bald head after each win took a quirky turn during the final.
Stacy appeared with a matching tiger tattoo on his scalp, though one hopes it’s not a permanent addition!
A Year of Growth and Determination
Sabalenka and her team, including Stacy, have done remarkable work over the past year.
Known for her intimidating talent but also her emotional volatility, Sabalenka has shown incredible growth.
Even in the high-pressure environment of Arthur Ashe Stadium, she kept her composure.
Mastery of the Moment
In the final, despite a comeback from Pegula, Sabalenka showcased her improved game.
Her ability to vary the pace, use a surprise drop shot, or rush the net made all the difference.
A standout moment was her leaping backhand overhead, reminiscent of Tiger Tim Henman’s style, which helped her break back and level the second set at 5-5.
Emotional Victory
After securing the win, Sabalenka collapsed in tears, kissing the court that had witnessed many of her near misses.
She also dedicated a kiss to the heavens in memory of her father, who passed away in 2019, and her ex-boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, who died by suicide earlier this year.
The Power of Sabalenka
While Pegula played exceptionally well, the sheer force of Sabalenka’s game and her magnetic personality made her the undeniable star of the match.
The contest seemed to revolve entirely around her, driven by the rhythm of her powerful play.
What Lies Ahead?
With this victory, Sabalenka has firmly established herself as a dominant force in tennis.
The question now is, what’s next for this powerful player?
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