'Oh, my God, I feel American': Aryna Sabalenka reflects after losing US Open title
Tennis player Aryna Sabalenka reflected on her US Open final loss, noting that the crowd's support made her feel a connection to American culture. Despite losing her world No. 1 ranking, she expressed optimism about her future performance.
Why it matters
It captures the emotional and professional transition of a top-tier athlete in a high-profile global sporting event.
Aryna Sabalenka may have lost the US Open final and her world No. 1 ranking, but the support she received from the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium left her with a special feeling."Actually, at some point I felt like, 'Oh, my God, I feel American,'" Sabalenka said after losing to Elena Rybakina in Saturday’s (local time) final.Sabalenka was denied a third consecutive US Open title as Rybakina won 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. Rybakina had already secured the No. 1 ranking before the final, meaning Sabalenka’s 99-week run at the top will end on Monday.The crowd continued to support Sabalenka as she fought back to take the second set and stayed behind her even as Rybakina took control in the decider."It felt amazing," Sabalenka said.
Also covering this story
5 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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