NEW DELHI: Aryna Sabalenka smashed her racquet as soon as she reached the dressing room after succumbing to a 2-6 6-3 6-2 defeat to new US Open champion Coco Guaff on Saturday night.
Sabalenka, 25, was all smiles despite facing the setback on court. However, a video clip, aired on the back of the on-court celebration, witnessed the Belarusian professional taking the racquet out of her bag and smashing it with her full force on the floor of the dressing room, displaying an unfamiliar, sudden outburst of anger from the 2023 Australian Open winner.
Sabalenka may have fallen short in the thrilling three-set final against Coco Gauff at the 2023 US Open, but she sees this experience as a valuable learning opportunity on her journey to securing the year-end World No.1 ranking.
Sabalenka has undeniably enjoyed one of the most outstanding seasons on the WTA Tour this year, clinching her first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open, securing three singles titles overall (including her second victory at the prestigious 1000 event in Madrid, where she defeated World No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the final), and, starting Monday, ascending to the world No. 1 ranking for the first time in her career.
"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. That's why I'm still positive and I'm still motivated," Sabalenka emphasized during a post-match press conference.
The reigning Australian Open champion had a one-set lead in Saturday night's final, but Gauff launched a remarkable comeback, securing a 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory and dashing Sabalenka's hopes of going undefeated in this year's hard-court majors.
"In the first set I was dealing with my emotions quite good," Sabalenka recounted. "I was focused on myself, not on the crowd or the way [Gauff] moves. ... Then the second set I started probably overthinking, and because of that I started kind of losing my power."
Sabalenka reflected on the higher number of unforced errors in the second set, acknowledging that they contributed to Gauff's growing confidence in her ability to win the match. She also admitted to becoming overly emotional after the second set.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Sabalenka's determination and dedication will see her rise to the World No.1 ranking when the updated singles rankings are released on Monday.
With agencies inputs
