Aryna Sabalenka has charged her way into the US Open final, and the world no. 1 is poised to seize her fourth Grand Slam title, the first of 2025. Overcoming Jessica Pegula was no small feat, and while the Belarusian star savors this pivotal moment, she’s not resting on her laurels. The fierce competitor knows that the ultimate challenge still lies ahead.
In a revealing post-match press conference, Sabalenka shared her emotional rollercoaster during the match. “I had a lot of emotions in my head,” she confessed, expressing the tension that accompanied her every move on the court. She recounted her thoughts as she neared victory: “Oh my God, no! Close the match.” The pressure was palpable, and a momentary lapse in decision-making nearly cost her. “I kept reminding myself: ‘Next time, take it one step at a time, don’t worry about the past. Focus more on the next point.'”
The stakes are high for Sabalenka as she reflects on her previous Grand Slam experiences, particularly the lessons learned from her missteps at Roland Garros. “I really wanted to give myself another chance in a Slam, another final, and I want to show myself that I’ve learned the hard lesson from Paris and that I can do better in the final,” she stated emphatically. The memory of that disappointment fuels her determination. “What happened in Paris will never happen here. I learned that lesson, and I will never behave like that again. I have to trust myself and give my all.”
Sabalenka also touched upon the much-anticipated “Battle of the Sexes” showdown against Nick Kyrgios. While details about the event remain uncertain, her enthusiasm is unmistakable. “I think it’s a fantastic idea,” she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up at the prospect. The match promises to be a spectacle, and Sabalenka is ready to bring her A-game. “It will be fun, especially against someone like Nick. As he said in another interview, he really believes he can win, and I will definitely step onto that court and do my best to kick his butt,” she said with a smile, hinting at the competitive spirit that defines her approach to every challenge.
With the final now in sight, Sabalenka is not just aiming for victory; she’s on a mission to assert her dominance in women’s tennis. The world will be watching as she steps into this monumental match, eager to see if she can transform her hard-earned lessons into a triumphant victory. The stage is set, and Aryna Sabalenka is ready to make history.
