Remember when Aryna Sabalenka said, “You guys could’ve supported like this during the match,” during the trophy presentation of the 2023 US Open? Sabalenka’s playful accusations did not hide her tears after the then-19-year-old player, Coco Gauff, defeated her in the finals. Her changed mindset with a vow for redemption has once again led her to the final clash, where she will soon face Jessica Pegula this year. As she takes aim at the title, a deeper look reveals a story of vulnerability and perseverance that she learned from some “tough lessons.”

In an interview with the US Open Tennis Championships, a reporter asked Aryna Sabalenka about her ability to maintain a positive outlook and high energy levels this year, compared to the “rough nights” she experienced during the 2023 tournament. When the reporter further stated that many people do not like to come back again after defeats, Sabalenka firmly responded, “That’s not me.” She continued, “I had really tough lessons here in the past. I think I had so many opportunities here, but I didn’t use it for different reasons. I wasn’t ready, then I got emotional, then I just couldn’t handle the crowd.” 

After reaching the semifinals, Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, discussed the emotional rollercoaster of her QFs match against Emma Navarro and how her experience from last year’s challenging final helped her overcome adversity. “That was very difficult match, especially at the end of the second set I got a little emotional and had this little flashback on last year’s final, meaning the crowd atmosphere,” she said. “I’m really glad that the lessons learned, and I was able to control my emotions and I was able to close this match in two sets.”

Last year’s defeat to Gauff in three sets (2-6, 6-3, 6-2), including a decisive set where she lost in only eight games, continued to haunt the World No. 2 this year. “Last year, it was very tough experience, very tough lesson. Today in the match, I was, like,No, no Aryna, it’s not going to happen again. You have to control your emotions.” It worked in her favor as she dominated Emma Navarro in the semifinals while trying to avoid any “missed opportunities” in New York whatsoever. “Tough losses never make me feel depressed and not like thinking of not coming back on the tournament.” 

Instead, it fuels her drive to success, motivating her to “try harder” and improve her weaknesses. “I’m still hoping to hold that beautiful trophy,” she says with the hope of clinching her third career grand slam. The former World No. 1 hopes to “better” her result than last year, wherein the underdog named Gauff created history by being the youngest American to clinch the trophy since Serena Williams. 

The Belarusian, who skipped the Olympics to heal from her shoulder injury and not be a victim to intense scheduling issues, has come to the field all warmed up after a Cincinnati Masters victory. And now she aims higher, regardless of who her opponent is!

Aryna Sabalenka’s optimistic approach to the US Open finals!

During her on-court interview after advancing to the finals, Aryna Sabalenka opened up on how it was a “good test” for her as the crowd kept cheering for her opponent. Much like her compatriot Navarro, Jessica Pegula would certainly elicit a similar response from the crowd, but Sabalenka now knows better! “Even if it’s going to be Pegula, I mean, I don’t care, I’m ready to face whoever.”

Further adding, the 26-year-old player said, “Lesson from the last year learned and I really hope I’m going to do a little bit better than I did last year,” Sabalenka said. Aryna Sabalenka opted to focus on her thoughts to stay calm and finished the match in 90 minutes with a score of 3-6, 6-7.

Now the World No. 2 prepares to extend her lead over Pegula to 6-2! No longer shackled by the ghosts of her past, she now approaches the Grand Slam with a sense of hope and renewed purpose!