Aryna Sabalenka kept her promise made to fans as the 2024 US Open champion and her brand partner Dobel Tequila have announced that New Yorkers can enjoy the drink for $10 less than its regular price.
If you remember well, the world No. 2 fought back tears after losing the 2023 US Open final to Coco Gauff because she felt that the crowd could have been much more respectful towards her.
After beating Zheng Qinwen to set up a semifinal against USA’s Emma Navarro, the 26-year-old was asked if she had something to say to the local crowd before facing an American for the first time since the Gauff match. That’s when the Belarusian tennis star offered to buy them a drink if they showed some support for her as well.
“OK, guys, drink on me, and please give me some support in the next match,” Sabalenka said after the Zheng match.
Aryna Sabalenka was asked how sheās going to win over the crowd playing an American next at US Open
*Aryna pauses and thinks*
āDrinks on me tonightā š
ā The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 4, 2024
And indeed, the spectators were respectful and cheered a bit for the No. 2 seed during her 6-3 7-6 (2) win over Navarro.
“But while we’re on the age of 21 you did make a commitment the other day that if the crowd helped you a little bit. So, is there anybody getting free drinks tonight?” Pam Shriver asked the Belarusian during an on-court interview, to which she responded: “So guys, marg-āArynaā for everyone from Dobel Tequila. You’re welcome.”
Aryna SabalenkaĀ© YouTube screenshot
Sabalenka wins the title and there is a big discount on Dobel Tequila
After ousting Navarro, the world No. 2 played another local player as she defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5 7-5 in the final for her first US Open title and overall third Grand Slam. During the final, the majority of the crowd was on the side of the home player but the Belarusian didn’t feel that the spectators crossed the line this year.
And as a result, Sabalenka is now making sure others can also celebrate her win.
“When Maestra & 2024 US Open Champion @arynasabalenka promises, we deliver! Enjoy a Dobel Tequila cocktail or neat serve on us. Celebrate big ā at a small price. Save $10 on a Dobel Tequila cocktail or neat serve from Sep 9 through Sep 15 in New York by texting *drinksonme* to 24272,” the tequila brand announced on Instagram.
“Offer begins 9/9/24 & ends 9/15/24. Must be 21+ years of age to participate. Offer valid on purchases made in & by legal residents of NY. Limit 1 offer per person. Subject to full Terms & Conditions at DobelDrinksOnMe.promo-rules.com. Text HELP to 24272 for HELP. Text STOP to 24272 to STOP receiving messages. Message & data rates may apply. Sponsor: Proximo Spirits, Inc. Maestro DobelĀ® Tequila. 40% Alc./Vol. (80 Proof). Trademarks owned by Maestro Tequilero, S.A. de C.V. Ā©2024 Proximo, Jersey City, NJ. Please enjoy responsibly.”
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Sabalenka: Gonna drink a lot
When asked how she would celebrate becoming a champion in New York, the 26-year-old gave a brutally honest answer, admitting she and her team would probably go hard on drinks that night. And one of the reasons why this win so special for the Belarusian is the fact that in the past she lost a US Open final and also twice exited the tournament in the semifinal stage.
āWeāre probably gonna drink a lot. Iām speechless. I canāt put two words together. Iām super happy. I remember all the tough losses here at the US Open. They say youāre gonna see the reason later. I see the reason right now. I had to go through tough lessons to hold this beautiful trophy. I think Iām the happiest person in the world right now,” Sabalenka said.
Aryna SabalenkaĀ© YouTube screenshot
After completing one of the biggest wins of her career and collecting her third Major title since the start of 2023, the world No. 2 also reflected on the pain and challenges she went through on and off the court before reaching the stars.
āI think mentally I became really strong. Iāve been through a lot on and off the court. I just figured out for myself how to control my emotions and stay balanced on court. Even when things arenāt going my way I just keep reminding myself āCome on Aryna. Youāve been through a lot. Itās just a tennis match. You can handle these emotions. You just have to focus on the things you have to do to win. Slowly things will get better for you.ā I think that was the biggest change. I guess I figured out how to control my emotions,” Sabalenka said.
Sabalenka will now take some time to rest and her next tournament could potentially be the WTA 1000 event in Beijing, which starts on September 25th.