Triumph and tears: Sabalenka wins the first US Open title full of emotions

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New York (dpa) - It was an emotional moment for Aryna Sabalenka when she triumphed at the Arthur Ashe stage and her first title was celebrated at the US Open. Surrounded by friends and family, the 26-year-old broke out into tears when she thought of her personal history and the promises that she had given her late father. With a hard fought 7: 5, 7: 5 against the American Jessica Pegula, the Belarussin danced in the confetti rain and proudly held the coveted silver trophy in her hands.

"It was always my goal to bring the name of my family into the history books of tennis," Sabalenka reflected after the victory. The loss of her father five years ago had a deep influence on her life and her career. "Every time I see my name on this trophy, I am so proud of myself, so proud of my family," she continued and emphasized that this title means a lot to her. With such a return to the world of tennis, it not only returned emotionally, but also in terms of sport.

a promised inheritance

When her father died at the age of only 21, she had decided to win two Grand Slam titles before the age of 25. With this victory, she not only exceeded her own expectations, but also overcome one of the most difficult moments in her life. A year ago, after a disappointing defeat against Coco Gauff, she had to leave the arena. This time everything was different. Supported by her friend Georgios Frangulis and her fitness coach Jason Stacy, she made it clear: "I couldn't imagine my life without you."

Stacy also caused a sensation by stuck to the skin as a lucky charm during the game. Sabalenka herself wears a real tattoo of the predator on her left forearm, which seems to give her the strength and courage she shows on the square.

The challenge of the game

Despite her dominant playing style and an early 3-0 lead in the second set, Sabalenka was not without mistakes. A total of 34 slight mistakes crept into her game and she had to keep her nerves in check when Pegula put more pressure. Memories of previous tournaments in which she played a tour came up. Pegula, who also had to react nervously to Sabalenka's level in her first Grand Slam final, noted: "She played great tennis in the big moments."

The higher the performance of Sabalenka, which now withstanded pressure while the audience cheered the American. The spectators also included big stars such as Lewis Hamilton and Stephen Curry, who were tensioning the final. "In the second sentence I only prayed," she later confessed, which indirectly shows her nervousness and strength of her will.

a year full of ups and downs

The 2023 season was moved for Sabalenka. After winning the title at the Australian Open, she had to cope with the loss of her ex-friend Konstantin Kolzow. Sport became a valve for them to deal with these severe emotions. "When my father died, tennis helped me to process this difficult loss," she recalled. She admitted that she was emotionally and mentally at the limit after talking openly about her fights in the Guardian in August.

putting their training focus on sport, but also led to physical problems. Sabalenka had to cancel a few tournaments in the current season, including Wimbledon and the Olympic Games in Paris, before she finally found the shape that she brought to the top.

The promise for a solemn night followed - "We are probably drinking a lot," Sabalenka revealed with a smile while planning the evening with her team. In a humorous moment, she found that her trainer Anton Dubrow received a smaller cup and said: "I will have a decent hangover tomorrow, more than you."

The history of her return and victory at the US Open is a strong example of perseverance and passion in sport, and for Sabalenka it is the beginning of a new chapter in her career that will continue to write history.