Aryna Sabalenka’s 2024 season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, from triumph to heartache and injury. However, the Belarusian star has found renewed joy and is aiming to end the year on a high at the US Open.
After winning the Australian Open in January, Sabalenka’s season took a difficult turn with the death of her former boyfriend in March. She then missed Wimbledon with a shoulder injury.
Despite these setbacks, Sabalenka has shown resilience and determination. She won her first title since the Australian Open in Cincinnati last week, defeating world number one Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals.
Sabalenka credits her newfound joy to a better balance in her life. “I realized that this is not how things work,” she said. “You have to balance this hard work, these expectations, pressure, and everything, with a little joy.”
The enforced rest necessitated by her shoulder injury was a blessing in disguise. “I’m happy that I had this time off and this kind of time to reset my mind,” she said.
Sabalenka is now focused on improving on her runner-up finish to Coco Gauff in last year’s US Open final. She is the second seed in New York and will open her campaign against Australian qualifier Priscilla Hon.
“I definitely felt really good after Cincinnati title,” said Sabalenka. “It was very important for me to get that title and to get those wins.”
Sabalenka’s journey has been marked by both triumph and adversity. However, she has emerged from the challenges stronger and more determined than ever. She is a true inspiration and a testament to the power of resilience.
