In an exhilarating display of triumph and jubilation, Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning queen of tennis, has boldly revealed her plans to indulge in celebrations following her remarkable victory at the US Open. During a lively exchange with fellow tennis star Sloane Stephens, Sabalenka didn’t hold back, enthusiastically sharing her intention to savor every moment of her well-earned success. With a twinkle in her eye, she declared, “Oh girl, we’re gonna drink. There is my club over there, and I definitely feel like going in and letting myself enjoy, because you have to enjoy. I put the hard work in and now I have time, a few days, to celebrate and let it sink in.”
The electrifying atmosphere of the championship match on August 6 was palpable as Sabalenka faced off against home favorite Amanda Anisimova. After a fierce battle, she clinched the first set 6-3 and was poised for victory leading 5-3 in the second set. However, a tenacious Anisimova fought back, pushing the set into a tiebreak. Sabalenka’s sheer determination shone through as she decisively dominated the tiebreak, ultimately securing the match with a final score of 7-6(3), thereby defending her US Open title with flair.
The post-match festivities quickly escalated as Sabalenka arrived at her press conference brandishing an open bottle of champagne, already reveling in the moment with her team. Sporting a quirky pair of Moët ski goggles, she transformed the typically staid press environment into a whirlwind of laughter and celebration. Her playful demeanor set the tone, and when asked about their champagne intake, she cheekily noted, “Well actually I didn’t have much. We were just, you know, spraying it out. So actually… cheers guys. Well, I cannot be serious right now.”
Reflecting on her emotional journey, Sabalenka acknowledged how past disappointments shaped her resolve. Having reached the finals at both the Australian Open and French Open earlier in the year—only to face heartbreak against Madison Keys and Coco Gauff—she articulated the significance of her US Open victory. “I think because of the finals earlier this season, this one felt different. This one felt like I had to overcome a lot of things to get this one. I knew that the hard work we put in, like, I deserved to have a grand slam title this season,” she explained.
As she reminisced about the moment she collapsed in tears on the court after her victory, Sabalenka expressed the weight of her achievement. “So when I fell (on the court after winning the 2025 US Open women’s singles title), it was like truly emotions, because it means a lot to defend this title and to bring such great tennis on court. And to bring the fight and be able to handle my emotions the way I did in this final, it means a lot. I’m super proud right now of myself,” she said, radiating the pride of a champion.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Sabalenka, as she becomes the second woman ever to successfully defend a Grand Slam title, following her back-to-back wins at the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024. With her eyes set on future triumphs, the world of tennis watches eagerly as Sabalenka continues to carve her legacy in the sport. The thrill of her win at Flushing Meadows is not just a testament to her talent, but a reflection of her incredible journey, resilience, and unyielding spirit.
