Aryna Sabalenka knows it’s going to be hard to get over the sting of a loss to Coco Gauff in the US Open final.
That’s why, right after Gauff’s 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory, Sabalenka was reminding herself that when she wakes up Monday morning, she will be No. 1 in the WTA rankings for the first time.
“That’s why probably I’m not super depressed right now. I’m definitely going to be,” Sabalenka said. “I’m definitely going for a drink tonight — if I’m allowed to say that.”
Sabalenka learned in 2023 to handle the negative thoughts that sometimes plagued her in the biggest tournaments earlier in her career, showing how far she had come by rallying from a set and 5-3 down to beat Madison Keys in the semi-finals.
“I’m really proud of myself that all those years I have been working so hard helped me to become world No. 1,” Sabalenka said.
Still, when the native of Belarus thought of her family who were let down by her defeat, Sabalenka couldn’t hide the hurt.
“They’ve been awake and watching,” she said, fighting back tears during the trophy celebration. “Sorry for this result.”
Sabalenka tried to remain upbeat during the celebration after the match. She joked with the fans who were applauding her now, but largely and loudly rooted for the American during the previous two hours. “You guys could have supported (me) like this during the match,” she said.
“It’s good that I can say I have been world No. 1, but I really would like to finish the year as world No. 1,” Sabalenka said.
