“Thank you to my boyfriends,” Aryna Sabalenka brings out her funny side with an epic slip-up after Cincinnati Open title win

Aryna Sabalenka will head to the US Open with renewed optimism after the Cincinnati Open title win on Monday.

“Thank you to my boyfriends,” Aryna Sabalenka brings out her funny side with an epic slip-up after Cincinnati Open title win

Aryna Sabalenka lifting the Cincinnati Open trophy (Via Imago)

On Monday, World No.3 Aryna Sabalenka ended a seven-month title drought at the Cincinnati Open after beating Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-5 in the final. The Belarusian won her sixth singles Masters 1000 title of her career and first without dropping a set.

Post her win, the newly ranked World No. 2 player thanked her close circle, including her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, the CEO of Oakberry Acai Bowls and a sponsor of the Haas Formula 1 team. However, she made a slip during her heartfelt victory speech.

Special thank you to my boyfriends--boyfriend--oh my gosh… that’s my terrible English guys. Thank you to my boyfriend for keeping me happy every day.
Aryna Sabalenka said in the post-match ceremony of the Cincinnati Open

Sabalenka started strong in the second set, breaking Pegula early and holding serve to lead 2-0. She dominated her service games, not losing a point for four consecutive games. However, she struggled briefly and was broken to make it 5-5.

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Despite this setback, Sabalenka bounced back, breaking Pegula one last time and holding serve to close out the match in 75 minutes. She recorded 29 winners, including ten aces, against 23 unforced errors.

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Aryna Sabalenka will return as the favorite for the US Open

Aryna Sabalenka won the Cincinnati Open to get her season back on track. It was her first title since winning the Australian Open in January.

Aryna-Sabalenka-Australian-Open-title
Aryna Sabalenka with her second Singles Australian Open title (Image via Imago)

The former World No.1 came into the Cincinnati Open with many questions. The Belarusian had a rough summer, withdrawing from Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics due to illness.

However, she returned for the US Open series and has been competing since the Citi Open. After reaching the semifinals in Washington and the quarterfinals in Canada, her title win in Cincinnati will give her immense confidence.

Sabalenka will now head to the US Open, aiming to win her third Singles Grand Slam title. Both of her previous Grand Slam victories have come in Australia. The 26-year-old finished as the runner-up to Coco Gauff in last year’s US Open final.

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