“Definitely going for a drink” – Aryna Sabalenka says she isn’t ‘super depressed’ after US Open final loss; will celebrate her rise to World No. 1
Despite failing to win the 2023 US Open title on Saturday, Aryna Sabalenka said she wasn't too disappointed. She also said she would celebrate her rise to World No. 1.
Sabalenka was handed a heartbreaking defeat by Coco Gauff in the summit clash of the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Although the Belarusian drew first blood by breaking her opponent thrice to secure the opening set comfortably, Gauff made an impressive comeback.
The American showed impeccable defensive skills in the next two sets and won the championship match 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, which led to Sabalenka breaking into tears.
The Belarusian, however, has something to cheer for at the end of her US Open campaign; she has captured the No. 1 spot in the WTA rankings from Iga Swiatek. Reflecting on her achievement during the post-match press conference, Sabalenka said:
"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."
The 25-year-old further reiterated her goal to not just be at the top for a few weeks but to finish the year in a similar fashion.
"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 No. 1. That's why I'm, like, still positive, and I'm still motivated," Aryna Sabalenka added.
Aryna Sabalenka scheduled to compete at Guadalajara Open Akron next
After the US Open setback, Aryna Sabalenka's next stop is scheduled to be Guadalajara, Mexico. She is entered to compete in the city's WTA 1000 event beginning September 17.
The Belarusian will look to better her previous year's performance at the Guadalajara Open. She crashed out of the tournament in the second round in 2022, losing to Russia's Liudmila Samsonova.
During her press conference in New York, Sabalenka vowed to learn from the upset and bounce back stronger.
"There's some positive things I'm leaving this; some not really positive. But it's okay. It's a process. We're all learning. And I guess it's lesson for me I will learn and then come back stronger," Sabalenka said.