Aryna Sabalenka capped a season of intense struggle and near-misses by fulfilling what she felt was her destiny, capturing the US Open title she believed she had earned. Her gritty 6-3, 7-6 (3) win over Amanda Anisimova was the ultimate reward for a year of relentless hard work and painful lessons.
Going into the final, Sabalenka carried the weight of two previous Grand Slam final losses this year. The heartbreak could have easily led to more anxiety, but she transformed it into a powerful sense of purpose. “I knew that the hard work we put in, like, I deserved to have a grand slam title this season,” she stated, revealing a mindset rooted in self-worth and determination.
This internal conviction was her greatest weapon. When she faced a critical moment of adversity late in the second set, she didn’t panic. Instead, she drew on the knowledge that she had done the work and was prepared for this challenge. She trusted her game and her improved mental process to carry her through, and it did.
The victory was more than just another trophy; it was the fulfillment of a promise she had made to herself. After a season of being the best player in the world but falling just short, she finally claimed the major title she so rightly deserved.
67