Aryna Sabalenka’s bid to bookend her 12 months with a second grand slam title fell aside within the US Open closing however the incoming world No.1 will take some consolation and motivation from her lofty perch within the WTA rankings.
Sabalenka will overtake Poland’s Iga Swiatek when the rankings are up to date on Monday, with the Belarusian admitting her new standing will assist ease the sting of Saturday’s closing loss to American teenager Coco Gauff.
“That’s why I’m not super-depressed right now,” Sabalenka mentioned when requested to mirror on changing into world No.1 for the primary time.
“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 Sabalenka was the second seed in New York and dropped only one set in her march to the ultimate, the place she took management early and broke Gauff 3 times en path to grabbing the primary set.
But sixth seed Gauff flashed her outstanding pace to increase rallies and managed to power a deciding set the place her sport reached one other degree and proved an excessive amount of for Sabalenka.
“I was overthinking and I was missing balls I shouldn’t be missing,” Sabalenka mentioned.
“Unforced errors was a lot in the second set, and that’s where I gave her belief that she can win this match. I got overemotional after the second set.”
Despite falling to Gauff within the closing, Sabalenka can maintain her head excessive after delivering a outstanding grand slam season that included an Australian Open title in January and semi-final appearances on the French Open and Wimbledon.
Sabalenka was assured of being world No.1 after Swiatek’s spherical of 16 loss final Sunday. She intends to carry on tight to her new-found standing.
“It’s more about ending the year as world No.1, not just becoming world No.1 and then next week you’re second,” she mentioned.
“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 nonetheless constructive, and nonetheless motivated.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
