Aryna Sabalenka has dismissed talk of ending the season as world number one despite claiming a third Grand Slam title at the US Open.
After last year’s heartbreak Sabalenka remained composed in order to win her first US Open title by defeating Jessica Pegula.
The world number two had big leads in both sets but an inspired Pegula came back in both sets before the Australian Open claimed victory.
Speaking after the match Sabalenka praised Pegula’s level as she remained mentally strong to win her first title in New York, “It was very difficult match. She played really incredible tennis,” Sabalenka started her press conference by saying.
“Honestly, after me leading 3-Love I didn’t really expect her to come back with such a high level. I’m really glad that I was able to hold my serve in that 5-3 down. Then to broke her back, it gave me so much belief that I can close this match in two sets.
“I mean, that was really incredible tennis from her. I mean, I had my opportunities and at 3-1 I was serving and then I had a breakpoint and 3-Love, but, you know, she come up with winners, with really aggressive tennis.
“Just it felt like one second and it’s 3-5, and I’m serving, I was, like, Wow, that’s crazy level from her. In that moment I just told myself, okay, just try to hold your serve. I was kind of, like — I was getting ready for the third set. At least, like, you’ll be confident on your serve in the third set, and then I held my serve. I put so much pressure on her on that serving game at 5-4, and I’m really glad I was able to broke her back.”
After last year’s heartbreak in the final, it was a mentally strong performance from Sabalenka this time around as she secured victory in two tight sets.
It’s a triumph that means a lot to Sabalenka after the death of her father when she was young and the world number two spoke about his influence as well as describing the title as ‘special,’ “Well, you know, after I lost my father, it’s always been my goal to put our family name in the history of tennis,” Sabalenka explained.
“Every time I see my name on that trophy, I’m so proud of myself, I’m proud of my family that they never gave up on my dream and that they were doing everything they could to keep me going. So I had this opportunity in life.
“So it really means a lot. Yeah, it’s been always my dream. I still kind of cannot believe that I was able to achieve, like me with my team, we were able to achieve so much already. It’s also very special place here, the US Open. I also had a lot of tough losses in the past. I was always hoping that one day I’ll be able to hold this beautiful trophy. It’s been always my dream.
“That’s why it’s very special, because no matter what, every time I was coming back stronger, and I was learning, I never gave up on this dream, and yeah, you know, it’s means a lot.”
A meaningful win for Sabalenka’s career as this now takes her to three Grand Slam titles for her career as she has established herself as the best hard court player in the world.
But could she soon be the best player in the world? Sabalenka will now aim to chase Iga Swiatek down at the top of the WTA rankings.
However this is something that Sabalenka is not thinking about ahead of the last few months of the season, “I mean, I’m not trying to focus on ranking, to be honest. Not like I’m checking where I’m gonna be after the tournament,” Sabalenka honestly claimed.
“I’m just trying to focus on myself, and I know that if on each tournament I’ll be able to play my best tennis and I’ll be able to bring this fight spirit on each game, I’ll be able to become World No. 1 again. So my focus is on myself, on improving myself as a player and as a person.
“Yeah, hopefully one day I’ll see myself on the top of the ranking.”
