WATCH: Sabalenka tears up after US Open exit, arrives to press conference in mirror glasses

Friday, 09 September 2022 at 12:20

Updated at Saturday, 16 November 2024 at 11:12

Sabalenka Aryna Dubai2022 FlorinBaltatoiu2

byZachary Wimer

Aryna Sabalenka had a tough time following her US Open defeat to Iga Swiatek, showing up to the post-match press conference with large sunglasses, likely to cover her tears.

Sabalenka had high hopes for this year’s US Open, as she had generally performed well in New York and looked like a player who could go all the way in the event. That dream, however, was crushed by Swiatek.

The Polish player didn’t start strong, as Sabalenka won the opening set of their meeting, but as the match progressed, Sabalenka seemed to lose focus and was eventually defeated in three sets.

It was clearly a difficult loss for her, and the post-match press conference demonstrated this quite effectively. It wasn’t just the sunglasses, it was her voice as well. Sabalenka appeared wearing oversized sunglasses, presumably to hide her tears, which were still somewhat evident.

Despite trying her best to maintain a cheery demeanor, her voice clearly showed the heartbreak she was feeling. It’s been an unusual year for the Belarusian, who once again failed to make a significant impact on the Grand Slam stage.

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That remains the one achievement she is waiting for in her tennis career. She was beaten by Kaia Kanepi at the Australian Open in a match she likely should have won. At the French Open, Camila Giorgi defeated her in three sets.

She couldn’t attend Wimbledon due to her Belarusian nationality, and now, at the US Open, she lost once more, just one set away from the final. It was an evidently tough loss and an emotional experience for Sabalenka, as can be seen in the video below.

Next year may prove pivotal for the Belarusian. If she doesn’t start making a significant impact at the Grand Slam level, many will start to wonder if she ever will. This year certainly was hugely disappointing overall in this sense, albeit a step forward.