The emotions are slowly seeping in for Belarusian tennis star, Aryna Sabalenka. History was made as she defeated China’s Qinwen Zheng to lift the 2024 Australian Open title. In the process, she became the first tennis player from her country to defend the Grand Slam title Down Under after Victoria Azarenka. Following her triumph, Sabalenka had an emotional moment as she remembered her late father.
The 25-year-old lost her father suddenly in November 2019. Her father, Sergey, was aged just 43 at that time. However, before his demise, Sabalenka made a promise to her father which she successfully fulfilled after lifting the Australian Open trophy.
Aryna Sabalenka turns emotional after fulfilling her father’s promise
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
A couple of years ago, Sabalenka revealed the promise that she made to her father. She said that she would win a couple of Grand Slam titles before she was 25. And with the win today, Sabalenka has won two major trophies, both at the Australian Open.
During the post-match press conference, she was asked about how emotionally different it was today as compared to the final last year. Replying to this question, she said, “I would say that it was a little bit different. I think I wasn’t that emotional on court, but before the match, it was the same. You know, like you still are waiting for it, you can’t wait to start. You’re super excited.”
Further, she went on to add, “So compared to last year, it’s completely different me. Compared to the US Open, once again, it’s a different me. As I said, I’m more controlled and kind of like don’t let the rest of the things come to my mind, and I was focusing on myself. So I think it’s a big difference.”
DIVE DEEPER: How Aryna Sabalenka’s Ice Hockey-Playing Father Accidentally Introduced Her to Tennis
Thus, Sabalenka would be relieved to have crossed the finishing line today after losing last year’s US Open final. Subsequently, Sabalenka also paid a wonderful tribute to her father after her victory.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What did Sabalenka say about her late father?
The 25-year-old has seen a massive rise in her tennis career over the past few years. And she credits her late father behind her success. After defeating Zheng, she remembered her late father and paid a stirring tribute.
She said, “I just have to keep fighting for my dream and make sure that if there is something, I want to believe there is something that my father is watching me and very proud of me. So I just couldn’t stop for my family.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In the end, it was a well-deserved victory for the Belarusian tennis star. She’ll look to continue her winning momentum as she steps onto the court in the upcoming tournaments. But, for now, Sabalenka can seep in the emotions and enjoy her victory.
Watch This Story: Distressing Serena Williams Reality Leaves Gaping Void That’s Nearly Impossible to Fill for Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek