Aryna Sabalenka is in a mood for a treat. That makes sense, the Belarusian ‘force to be reckoned with’, has scripted her name amongst the US Open champions. 12 months after her long-drawn dream was thwarted by Coco Gauff in last year’s title decider, the second seed thrilled New Yorkers with an impressive two-week run. Naturally, to the victor belongs the spoils. Only in Sabalenka’s case, the spoils hilariously went missing.

After outclassing Jessica Pegula in the summit clash, the Belarusian fell to the floor in mere happiness and later ran to her players’ box to hug her team. What followed was obvious, the customary trophy presentation. The 26-year-old expressed, “I’m speechless right now. It’s always been a dream of mine and finally, I got this beautiful trophy. I never say that, but I’m super proud of myself.” Getting her hands on the Flushing Meadows trophy invoked those emotions. However, that didn’t stop her from looking for a surprise treat, as they did for Iga Swiatek in 2022.

Back then, the World No. 1 was furnished with a tiramisu inside her US Open trophy. After downing Ons Jabeur in the finals 6-2, 7-6 (7-5), Swiatek was seated in a post-match presser when reporters surprised her with the Italian delicacy. “Oh, my God! Are you kidding me?! Wow, who did that?” she said. All too aware of the adorable incident, Swiatek ousted the Belarusian in the semifinals; Sabalenka decided to test her fate.

In a video released on X, the second seed was hilariously seen trying to take a sneak peek inside the champion’s cup during the ceremony. However, she did not follow up on that completely and instead, proceeded to pose for the camera.

Regardless, Sabalenka is more than content. Despite clinching two titles this year and producing better results than Swiatek, the Belarusian is ranked behind the former. However, even this doesn’t faze her.

Aryna Sabalenka expresses that ranking isn’t her sole focus

Sabalenka might have surpassed Iga Swiatek result-wise, but the Pole has managed to cling on the World No. 1 spot. As per the latest update on Monday, the Belarusian will be furnished with 8716 points, with the 5-time Major champion pocketing 10885. A notable difference, however, this doesn’t bother the 26-year-old star. In a post-match presser, Sabalenka highlighted that she prioritizes performing well over who leads the rankings chart.

She said, “I’m not trying to focus on ranking, to be honest, not like I’m going to be checking where I’m going to be after the tournament. 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, then I’ll be able to become World No. 1 again. So my focus is on improving myself as a player, as a person, and hopefully, I’ll see myself on the top of the rankings.”

Nevertheless, Sabalenka won’t readily jump onto those plans just yet. After an exhausting two-week session in New York, the Belarusian will rest up and relish her latest feats before returning to the Tour.