Aryna Sabalenka has been enjoying her US Open triumph since Saturday's final, and she humorously assured fans her partying is only a short-term situation.
The Belarusian's final victory against Jessica Pegula was a high-quality match despite being just two sets. Sabalenka admitted afterward she was preparing for a third set during her intense battle against the American.
Sealing a maiden US Open title meant a lot to Sabalenka after the pain she had endured in previous years in New York, losing tight semifinals in 2021 and 2022, and last year's final against Coco Gauff after winning the first set.
Sabalenka did not hide her intention to enjoy the success after the final, saying she planned to drink a lot with her team. The 26-year-old certainly deserved to celebrate after her achievement.
The season is not over, and Sabalenka could overtake Swiatek as the world No. 1 if she finishes the year strongly. Sabalenka has admitted that is a goal for her despite downplaying its significance in the past.
However, Sabalenka feels recharging her batteries by thoroughly enjoying her US Open victory is necessary. The stress that built up after years of coming close at Flushing Meadows may be another reason for the thorough celebrations.
Sabalenka made that evident in a social media post. Although she promised to start practicing again in a few days, the world No. 2 said it was party time until then, telling fans not to worry about her celebrations.
"Let the party begin. I know I know…Don’t worry guys I’ll be back practicing in a few days, but for now.💃"
How close Sabalenka is to Swiatek in the rankings will give her enough motivation to push for the year-end world No. 1 spot during the upcoming Asian swing on the WTA Tour, which has two WTA-1000 events in Beijing and Wuhan scheduled.
Swiatek is only slightly more than 400 ranking points ahead of her rival in the 2024 WTA Race, which is a slender lead for players at the top. The Pole needs to respond to her disappointing US Open quarterfinal loss to Pegula in Asia.
Sabalenka's chances are enhanced by the number of points Swiatek has to defend between now and the end of the season. The world No. 1 secured the WTA-1000 title in Beijing and the WTA Finals crown last year.
By contrast, Sabalenka was less successful after the US Open last year. She may have been mentally affected by her brutal final defeat to Gauff, finding it hard to be motivated after that setback.
The three-time Grand Slam champion will hope the opposite occurs this year. She is the player with momentum after her heroics in New York and has a great chance to end her impressive season as the world No. 1.
None of that is guaranteed, though, and Swiatek has been the No. 1 for so long for a reason. The 23-year-old is adept at responding to setbacks and coming back stronger, and the four-time French Open champion may deny Sabalenka if she does so again.
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