A dejected Aryna Sabalenka was seen gazing blankly ahead after suffering a distressing loss to Elena Rybakina in the final of the US Open.
While Rybakina marked her third Grand Slam victory after clinching a 6-4 5-7 6-2 triumph in New York, television cameras captured a reflective Sabalenka sitting quietly alongside her coaching staff.
Given her history of triumph at this event, the two-time champion now has much to reflect upon following a week of intense letdowns for the 28-year-old.
Rybakina has not only dethroned Sabalenka from the top of the world rankings—ending her 99-week reign at number one—but has also halted the Belarusian’s impressive 20-match unbeaten run at Flushing Meadows.
This loss guarantees that Sabalenka will finish a calendar year without a major trophy for the first time since 2022.
The devastation was unmistakable for the four-time Grand Slam singles winner.
All through the championship match, up against a remarkably poised Rybakina who delivered a stellar display, Sabalenka struggled to suppress her growing irritation.
She vented her annoyance on her equipment, crashing her racquet onto the court after giving up a critical break point to Rybakina during the second set.
When Rybakina sealed the match with a closing ace, Sabalenka threw her racquet aside in frustration before offering congratulations at the net. While Rybakina acknowledged the spectators, Sabalenka returned to her seat and destroyed a second racquet on the ground.
Additionally, the Belarusian used strong language to dismiss a camera operator while sitting with her entourage right after the match concluded.
“Managing your feelings is incredibly difficult when you fall short in a Grand Slam final, especially when chasing a third consecutive title,” Sabalenka admitted later.
“I felt the need to release it, because keeping it bottled up—whether right then on the court or afterwards—would have left me speechless or made me react in an even worse way.
“I simply needed to vent all that anger and frustration so it didn’t stay inside.”
