Aryna Sabalenka described her latest Grand Slam win as “very special” because it came after she battled some personal challenges and also highlighted that her next big goal is returning to the world No. 1 spot.
This past Saturday, the Belarusian tennis star lifted her first US Open title and third Major trophy overall after defeating Jessica Pegula 7-5 7-5 in the final at Flushing Meadows.
After successfully defending her Australian Open title in January, the world No. 2 went through a very traumatic experience after her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov committed suicide in March. Then, Sabalenka sustained a very unfortunate shoulder in Berlin and she was forced to miss Wimbledon – something that was extremely painful for her.
But now, the 26-year-old is back to winning on the biggest possible stage.
“That’s why I’m I’m telling you that this one is very special, because of so many things I had to overcome in the past and especially this season and still be able to compete on my highest level and to get this beautiful trophy. It’s even sweeter because after you’re fighting something on and off the court and facing so many challenges and at the end you’re you’re still getting this trophy,” Sabalenka said on the WTA Insider Podcast.
