Aryna Sabalenka, 25, admitted she needed a drink after suffering a heartbreaking loss in the US Open final to Coco Gauff. Sabalenka, who was the second-seeded player, got off to an outstanding start to the US Open final but then Gauff stormed back to win 2-6 6-3 6-2. Although Sabalenka failed to win the US Open, she will still reach the world No 1 spot for the first time in her career on Monday. “Yeah, that’s why probably, that’s why I’m not super depressed right now. I’m definitely going for a drink tonight if I’m allowed to say that. Yes, we are athletes, but sometimes we are drinking, but not much. But becoming a world No. 1, it’s a huge improvement, and achievement, actually. I’m really proud of myself that all those years I have been working so hard helped me to become World No 1. But, you know, like, for me it’s more about end the year as world No 1, not just like become World No. 1 and then next week you’re second. It’s good so that I can say I have been World No 1, but I really would like to finish the year as world NoĀ 1. That’s why I’m, like, still positive, and I’m still motivated,” Sabalenka said.Ā
Aryna SabalenkaĀ© Getty Images Sport – Elsa
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Sabalenka loses to Gauff but there is something to cheer about
In 2023, Sabalenka accomplished her two biggest tennis goals. At the start of the 2023 season, Sabalenka became a Grand Slam champion at the Australian Open. Following her Australian Open win, Sabalenka rose to No 2 in the world. After landing her first Slam title, Sabalenka highlighted reaching the world No 1 spot was her next big goal. At this year’s US Open, Sabalenka accomplished that goal. Although losing the US Open final was certainly disappointing for Sabalenka, it shouldn’t be forgotten that she accomplished another major goal at Flushing Meadows.Ā