Aryna Sabalenka admits she was inspired to US Open triumph by ambition to keep her late father’s name alive after adding another Grand Slam title

Aryna Sabalenka, the Grand Slam tennis star, recently secured the US Open women’s singles title, adding another triumph to her growing legacy. The 26-year-old from Belarus revealed that her motivation stems from a deeply personal source: the desire to honor her late father by engraving their family name on as many Grand Slam trophies as possible.

Sabalenka, who previously won consecutive Australian Open titles, was asked what continues to drive her. She explained that after losing her father to meningitis in 2019, her mission became to cement her family name in tennis history. “Every time I see my name on that trophy, I’m so proud of myself and my family. They never gave up on my dream and did everything they could to keep me going,” Sabalenka said after her impressive 7-5, 7-5 victory over American Jessica Pegula in the final.

Reflecting on her journey, she added, “I still can’t believe what my team and I have already achieved.”

Sabalenka’s success is supported by a strong team, including her coach Anton Dubrov, fitness coach Jason Stacy, hitting partner Andrei Vasilevski, and strategist Shane Liyanage. This close-knit group has helped her reach new heights this year, balancing her powerful game with added variety.

Sabalenka acknowledged the impact of this collaboration: “It’s great to have different options, like using a slice or a dropshot when you’re not feeling your best on the baseline. I’m proud that I’ve been brave enough to use these tools in key moments.”

A year ago, Sabalenka might have struggled in such a match, potentially overhitting or losing composure when leading in the second set. Yet, this time, she held firm, showcasing her growth as both a player and a competitor.

Her passion and emotions resonate with fans, making her an exciting player to watch. Sabalenka’s visible expressions of joy, frustration, and determination draw the crowd in, as seen when she fiercely celebrated key points and vented her frustrations on court during the final. The New York audience, despite Sabalenka facing an American, was firmly behind her.

Despite her rising popularity, Sabalenka’s nationality continues to be a sensitive topic. At tournaments, the space beside her name, where the Belarusian flag should be, remains blank due to Belarus’s political stance in the ongoing war in Ukraine. This situation complicates her path to global stardom compared to players like Carlos Alcaraz or Coco Gauff.

Still, Sabalenka’s magnetic personality and star power are undeniable. She confidently embraced the spotlight after her victory, donning a red gown and posing with her trophy. This contrasts sharply with the reserved demeanor of World No. 1 Iga Świątek, who is known for her introverted style both on and off the court.

Sabalenka remains determined to reclaim the top spot in the rankings, stating, “I know if I can play my best tennis and bring my fighting spirit, I’ll be World No. 1 again.”

With her mix of power, personality, and growing skill set, Sabalenka appears poised for even greater success in the world of tennis, driven by her desire to honor her father’s memory.