‘Being persecuted only makes you stronger’: Aryna Sabalenka

Aryna Sabalenka unveils her Nike kit for US Open 2026 (Getty Images) New Delhi: For Aryna Sabalenkova, the final point for the US Open 2025 was not followed by an immediate celebration. Silence followed.She was serving for the championship against Amanda Anisima when the American’s backhand return went wide. That’s how it was. The battle is over. Sabalenka won 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) to successfully defend her US Open crown and become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to win back-to-back women’s singles titles in New York.But the world number one didn’t immediately jump into the air. She dropped to her knees, covered her face with her hands, and lay there on her bum for what felt like an eternity—a minute or so—trying to absorb what she had just accomplished. The emotions were raw. The relief was unmistakable. Then she stood up slowly and acknowledged the applause that was pouring down from the stands of Arthur Ashe Stadium.Now, as Sabalenka returns to Flushing Meadows for 2026, she’s chasing something even bigger: a third straight US Open crown. And remarkably, she doesn’t sound burdened by his size.“I’m super excited. It’s always a great time to be in New York and I’m happy to be back in this beautiful stadium. I can’t wait to play my first match,” Sabalenka said in quotes provided exclusively to TOI ahead of the tournament.Sabalenka has twice walked away from Arthur Ashe Stadium as a champion, the first time in 2024 when she beat fellow American Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in a final that was decided by finer edges and finer nerves.The competition around her is tougher than ever, with rivals like Coco Gauff (2023 champion), Iga Swiatek (2022 champion), 2026 Grand Slam champions Elena Rybakina (Australian Open winner), Mirra Andreeva (French Open winner), Linda Nosková (Wimbledon winner) and Americans like Pegula and Anisimova pushing the limits of intensity. However, Sabalenka welcomes the challenge.“It (competition) always makes you better,” Sabalenka said. “I think that’s the beauty of sports. When you’re being chased or you have a target on your back, it just makes you stronger and it really makes you work hard, and that’s why I love sports.”Perhaps the most interesting part of Sabalenka’s evolution took place off the court. The “intensity” that once threatened to consume her playing career was gradually balanced by an appreciation of life outside of tennis.“I’ve always said it’s really important to balance life on and off the court because on the court it’s very intense and super aggressive and there’s no time for little, soft moments and you have to be strong all the time. But off the court it’s all about having fun, doing things you love, just to feel a little more relaxed off the court.”And New York, it turns out, gives her exactly that release. Between matches, there is a version of Sabalenka that exists outside the baseline and wanders the city she created for a fortnight each year.“I love a lot of things. First of all, I love the crowds here and, you know, when they cheer you on, it’s the best feeling. I love being in New York. I like to shop when I can. I like to go out for good dinners. I love the city for two or three weeks. I feel like this city also makes you work hard and stay motivated,” she said.Tune in: Watch all US Open 2026 action live on JioHotstar and Star Sports