Aryna Sabalenka gives sneak peek into her winner’s mindset that helps her come back harder after “tough losses”
Aryna Sabalenka claimed that she does not hide or get depressed after a tough loss following her 2024 US Open final qualification.
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X)
Aryna Sabalenka made it to her second consecutive US Open final on Thursday (September 5) by getting past Emma Navarro in the semifinals. Sabalenka beat the American 6-3, 7-6(2) in 90 minutes to get one step closer to winning her maiden title in New York.
Despite the crowd being against her, Sabalenka did not lose her calm like she did in the final last year, against Coco Gauff. The Belarusian then spoke at length about her mindset in dealing with tough losses like the defeat in the 2023 US Open final.
Sabalenka explained that she does get depressed after defeats and does not think about avoiding places where she endured a tough loss. The 26-year-old said that she believes in fighting back and is hoping to win the US Open title at the end of the week.
No, that's not about me. You know, like tough losses never make me feel depressed, like, not thinking like of not coming back on the tournament. It only motivates me to come back and to try one more time, try harder, and work harder on some things which maybe didn't work in the past. I'm still hoping to hold that beautiful trophy.Aryna Sabalenka said in her post-match press conference
The World No. 2 also said that instead of dreading a return to New York, she actually looked forward to it as she enjoyed playing in the city.
Every time I'm coming back here, I really enjoy being in New York, I enjoy these courts, I enjoy the crowd, I enjoy playing in this beautiful stadium in front of the crowd. I enjoy the city, the time on the court. Every time I'm coming back here, I have this positive thinking, like, ‘Come, on, maybe this time.'Aryna Sabalenka added
Sabalenka has made it to the US Open final for a second consecutive year, becoming the first woman to do so since Serena Williams in 2018 and 2019.
Aryna Sabalenka talks about the trickiest part about the crowd in New York
In the past, Aryna Sabalenka has faced many difficulties in dealing with the crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. This even led to her cheekily offering a bribe to the US Open crowd in exchange for some support during her semifinal against home favorite Emma Navarro.
With the home crowd being very vocal in their support of Navarro, Sabalenka later taunted them for not cheering for her during the match. Despite that, she announced free margaritas for everyone in the stadium. Later, Sabalenka opined that the loudness of the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium had been tricky to handle for her in the past.
I would say that, I mean, today wasn't that crazy, actually. They were loud, but during the point they were respectful and chill, you know. Last year they were just super loud, even during the point. It was that loud, so it was blocking my ears, so that was, like, so much pressure. So, yeah, that's the trickiest is the loudness of how loud it can be on this stadium.Aryna Sabalenka said in her press conference
Sabalenka will have to deal with this loud crowd at the Arthur Ashe once again as she is set to face American Jessica Pegula in the title match in New York. It is a rematch of last month’s Cincinnati Open final, which Sabalenka won 6-3, 7-5.
Ritesh Pathak
(2004 Articles Published)