Sabalenka loses US Open final but leaves New York on top of the world

NEW YORK, Sept 9 (Reuters) – Aryna Sabalenka’s bid to bookend her 12 months with a 2d Grand Slam identify fell aside in the U.S. Open final on Saturday but the incoming world primary mentioned she’s going to get each convenience and motivation from her lofty perch atop the world scores.

Sabalenka will overtake Poland’s Iga Swiatek when the new scores are up to date on Monday and the Belarusian admitted her new standing will assist ease the sting of her U.S. Open final loss to American youngster Coco Gauff.

“Yeah, that’s why probably, that’s why I’m not super depressed right now,” Sabalenka mentioned when requested to replicate on turning into world primary for the first time.

“I’m definitely going for a drink tonight if I’m allowed to say that,” a smiling Sabalenka added. “Yes, we are athletes, but sometimes we are drinking, but not much.”

The 25-year-old Sabalenka was once the 2d seed in New York and dropped only one set in her march to the final the place she took keep an eye on early and broke Gauff thrice en path to grabbing the first set.

But 6th seed Gauff flashed her outstanding pace to increase rallies and controlled to pressure a deciding set the place her recreation reached every other stage and proved an excessive amount of for Sabalenka.

“I was overthinking and I was missing quite, like, not easy balls, but the balls I shouldn’t be missing,” mentioned Sabalenka.

“Today it was more about — not more about, it was unforced errors was a lot in the second set, and that’s where I gave her believe that she can win this match. I got overemotional after the second set.”

Despite falling to Gauff in the final, Sabalenka can hang her head top after handing over a outstanding Grand Slam season that integrated an Australian Open identify in January ahead of semi-final appearances at the French Open and Wimbledon.

Sabalenka, who was once confident of being world primary after Swiatek’s Round of 16 loss closing Sunday, had mentioned at each and every flip throughout the New York fortnight the she was once centered on the U.S. Open and now not her rating. But she has in any case spread out.

“For me it’s more about end the year as World No. 1, not just like become World No. 1 and then next week you’re second,” mentioned Sabalenka.

“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, like, still positive, and I’m still motivated.”

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