Aryna Sabalenka taunts US Open crowd for cheering for Emma Navarro but vows to fulfill her promise of free drinks
Aryna Sabalenka fulfilled her promise of free drinks to the US Open crowd despite the partisan fans cheering loudly for American Emma Navarro.
Follow Us
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via The Guardian)
Aryna Sabalenka had proposed free drinks for the US Open crowd if they supported her when she faced American Emma Navarro in the semifinals of the 2024 US Open. Although it did not happen to the extent Sabalenka would have liked, with the partisan home crowd being on Navarro’s side, the Belarusian said she would fulfill her promise.
After defeating Navarro 6-3, 7-6(2), Sabalenka was asked if the crowd was getting free drinks for the support they showed to her during the semifinal. In response, the Belarusian ace announced free Margaritas for everyone.
However, Sabalenka cheekily taunted them for siding with Navarro before promising to fulfill her promise. The World No. 2 said that although they were cheering for her opponent, she got goosebumps experiencing it.
Well guys, now you are cheering for me. It's a bit too late. No, no, no. That [getting into back-to-back finals] means a lot and even though you guys were supporting her, I got goosebumps seeing you cheering up her. There was an incredible atmosphere, I really enjoyed playing...Margaritas for everyone from Dobel Tequila!Aryna Sabalenka said during her on-court interview
It is worth mentioning that when things got a bit tighter with the second set going into the tiebreak, the crowd cheered Navarro to come out on top and force a decider. However, Sabalenka did not let it happen, taking the tiebreak 7-2 and winning the match in straight sets.
Aryna Sabalenka reveals how she felt when the crowd cheered for Emma Navarro during their US Open semifinal
With the crowd cheering for Emma Navarro at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, Aryna Sabalenka stated that she was getting flashes from last year’s final where she lost to home favorite Coco Gauff. The Belarusian said that she constantly reminded herself that she could not let it happen again and tried to focus on the people supporting her instead.
Last year, it was a very tough experience. Very tough lesson. Today in the match, I was, like, 'No, no, no, Aryna. It's not going to happen again. You have to control your emotions. You have to focus on yourself.' There was people supporting for me; I was trying to focus on them. I'm thinking, 'Come on. There's so many people supporting you. There is your team in the box. There is your family. Just focus on yourself and try to -- not try, just fight for it.'Aryna Sabalenka said (H/T: ESPN)
Focusing on herself indeed helped Sabalenka as she wrapped up the match in 90 minutes and prevented Navarro from making a comeback. With the win, the World No. 2 became the first woman to reach back-to-back finals in New York since Serena Williams in 2018 and 2019.
The 26-year-old also said that she is not worried about who she faces in the final and will instead focus on winning her maiden US Open title. She is set to face Jessica Pegula in the summit clash after the American came from a set down to win 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 against Karolina Muchova in the other semifinal.
Stay Updated!
Ritesh Pathak
(2150 Articles Published)