NEW YORK — The roar that erupted from Aryna Sabalenka was primal, a guttural release of a year’s worth of pent-up emotion. As her final forehand winner sealed a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Coco Gauff to claim her second US Open title, she collapsed onto the blue hard court of Arthur Ashe Stadium, not with a smile, but with tears streaming down her face. This victory, her fourth Grand Slam crown, was different. It was heavier, more meaningful, and etched with a pain that made the triumph all the sweeter.
In her post-match press conference, the typically jovial and powerful Belarusian was reflective, her voice occasionally catching. "This one means a lot," she stated, her words carrying a profound weight. "I had to overcome a lot of things this year. A lot of tough moments, a lot of tough losses. This one is definitely more emotional for me." Behind those "tough moments" lies a story of profound personal adversity, making this US Open victory not just a testament to her athletic prowess, but a monument to her immense human resilience.
A Triumph Forged in Grief
The narrative of Sabalenka’s 2024 season cannot be separated from the devastating loss of her father, Sergey, in 2019. While the tragedy occurred years ago, its shadow has been a constant presence in her life and career. This year, however, that shadow seemed to loom larger. In numerous interviews throughout the season, Sabalenka spoke openly about the ongoing struggle, describing how the grief would resurface in waves, often at the most inopportune times. The pressure of competition, the loneliness of the tour, and the constant travel could act as triggers, making her feel, in her own words, "emotionally drained" and vulnerable.
This emotional toll manifested on the court. After a dominant start to the year that included a successful Australian Open title defense, Sabalenka experienced a dip in form. She suffered surprising early exits at tournaments she was expected to win and looked uncharacteristically fragile in key moments. The serve that is usually a weapon became erratic; the groundstrokes that typically dictate play sometimes betrayed her. It was clear that the mental battle was as fierce as the physical one.
Navigating the Pressure Cooker
Beyond her personal grief, Sabalenka faced a unique set of professional pressures in Flushing Meadows. The tennis landscape had shifted dramatically with the retirement of Ashleigh Barty and the inconsistent form of others, positioning Sabalenka and World No. 1 Iga Świątek as the twin pillars of the women's game. This brought a new level of expectation:
- The target on her back was larger than ever.
- Every match was a potential trap against hungry opponents.
- The relentless New York media scrutiny focused intensely on her emotional state.
Furthermore, her opponent in the final, Coco Gauff, was the defending champion and the undisputed crowd favorite. The electric, pro-Gauff atmosphere on Ashe could have easily overwhelmed a less mentally fortified player. Sabalenka had to battle not just the talented American across the net, but also 23,000 voices willing her to fail. "I knew the crowd would be for her," Sabalenka said. "I just had to stay focused on my game and not get emotional about it."
The Blueprint for Victory
Sabalenka’s path to the title was a masterclass in controlled aggression and emotional composure. She dropped only one set throughout the entire tournament, displaying a level of consistency that had sometimes eluded her in the past. Her game plan was executed with ruthless efficiency:
- Dominant Serving: She fired 15 aces in the final alone.
- Aggressive Returning: She attacked Gauff’s second serve relentlessly.
- Emotional Control: She used mindfulness techniques between points to stay present.
This final was also a reversal of their meeting in 2023, where a nervous Sabalenka let a lead slip away against a surging Gauff. This time, there was no capitulation. After securing a tight first set, she broke early in the second and never looked back, her focus unwavering until the final ball was struck. It was the performance of a player who had not only learned from past mistakes but had also grown immeasurably in mental fortitude.
A Celebration of Resilience
The raw emotion of her celebration told the entire story. This was not the unbridled joy of her first major win; it was the cathartic release of someone who had carried a heavy burden and finally, if only for a moment, set it down. In that instant on the court, surrounded by roaring applause she had conquered, Sabalenka allowed herself to feel it all—the grief, the struggle, the doubt, and the ultimate triumph over it. "I worked so hard for this," she sobbed into her towel. "I can’t believe I did it. This is for my family, for my team, for everyone who believed in me."
Her victory speech was equally poignant. She thanked her team for sticking with her through the difficult moments, acknowledging that she hadn’t always been the easiest person to work with. She then directly addressed her father, looking up to the sky: "I know you’re watching me, and I hope I made you proud." It was a heartfelt moment that transcended sport, connecting with anyone who has ever strived to make a loved one proud in their absence.
More Than Just a Trophy
Aryna Sabalenka’s 2024 US Open title solidifies her place among the elite of her generation. With four major titles, she has proven her greatness. But this victory adds a new, deeper layer to her legacy. It is a legacy of resilience. She has shown the world that champions are not defined by a lack of struggle, but by their ability to face it, to feel it, and to use it as fuel. She didn’t hide from her pain; she channeled it into the most powerful tennis of her life on the sport’s biggest stages.
In the end, the US Open trophy she lifted was more than silverware. It was a symbol of overcoming. It was proof that even when faced with "a lot" to overcome, the human spirit, when fortified by love, support, and an unbreakable will, can emerge victorious. As Sabalenka herself put it, "This one is special. I fought for this one. I earned this one not just with my racket, but with my heart." And that is why, for Aryna Sabalenka, winning this US Open meant more.