Fueled by an unwavering belief that she deserved a Grand Slam title this season, Aryna Sabalenka overcame a spirited Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6 (3) to defend her US Open crown. Her victory was a powerful display of self-belief, forged in the fires of a season filled with painful final-round defeats.
After the match, Sabalenka spoke candidly about her mindset. “I knew that the hard work we put in, like, I deserved to have a grand slam title this season,” she stated. This conviction was evident on the court, particularly when she faced adversity. A late-set stumble in the second, which could have shattered her confidence, was instead met with a steely resolve to finish the job.
This championship run was different from her past near-misses. In the Australian and French Open finals, Sabalenka admitted to losing control of her emotions. In New York, she was the picture of composure. She channeled her desire to win into focus rather than anxiety, allowing her to execute her game plan flawlessly in the decisive moments.
The raw emotion she displayed after match point was not just joy, but relief. It was the culmination of a year spent battling not just opponents, but her own inner demons. By holding onto the belief that her efforts would eventually pay off, Sabalenka willed herself to victory, proving that self-belief is a champion’s greatest asset.
