Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka has proven she is a true warrior. No matter what obstacle comes her way she faces it with determination. Following her US Open win this season, Sabalenka showcased an extraordinary zeal, despite having the year burdened with many personal and professional setbacks. As she remembers last year’s heartache post-victory, how she used her losses to boost her winning motivation comes to light.

Sabalenka finally got the chance to lift the beautiful trophy of the American Slam. Last year, she ended the tournament as a runner-up, losing her title to Coco Gauff. She defeated Sabalenka 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 in Arthur Ashe. After the intense heartbreak of last year, Sabalenka fulfilled her dream in an impressive match against another American, Jessica Pegula. After earning a highly anticipated title, Sabalenka reveals the special feeling of victory.

“Yeah definitely, that feels more special I would say after all those tough losses past year in the US Open, and finally I am holding this beautiful trophy, that’s a very special moment,” Sabalenka said when asked about the importance of this victory. In 2022, she reached the Slam’s semifinals but lost to Iga Swiatek by 6-3, 1-6, 4-6. She had a similar experience in 2021, when Leylah Fernandez defeated her 7-6, 4-6, 6-4. Following the heartache of losing, despite coming so close to the finals, Sabalenka said she was “the happiest person in the world.”

This Belarusian player spoke something similarly right after she clinched her maiden US Open title by defeating Pegula. “I’m speechless. I remember all the tough losses here, they say you’re going to see the reason later. I see the reason right now. 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,” Sabalenka said in an on-court interview after her victory.

Sabalenka’s US Open victory marks a special moment for the tennis fraternity. With her third Grand Slam title, this WTA star reached another feat that brought her to the list of tennis’ A-listers with unimaginable earnings from the WTA tour.

Aryna Sabalenka joins the top 10 highest-earning WTA stars after the 2024 US Open

This reigning Australian Open winner’s third Grand Slam journey might be overwhelming given her defeats in the past. However, Sabalenka earned prize money from the American Slam, which placed her on the list of the highest-earning WTA players. She received a cheque for a whopping $3.6 million. Adding this money to her tour earnings, Sabalenka has a total tour earnings of $28 million.

After her US Open glory, Sabalenka joined icons like Serena and Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Simona Halep in the list of WTA A-listers. Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open journey is inspirational for those who never stop working hard despite losses. After three years of failures, this Belarusian proved that with sheer determination and resilience, nothing is impossible in life. Are you motivated by Sabalenka’s epic win at Arthur Ashe this year?