Rybakina leaves Sabalenka fuming: racket slams and a message after the US Open final
Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final, leading to a frustrated reaction from the runner-up. Sabalenka, who had won the previous two titles, expressed disappointment in her performance during a brief award ceremony speech.
Why it matters
The result marks a significant shift in the women's tennis hierarchy at the US Open, highlighting the emotional toll of high-stakes professional sports.
Aryna Sabalenka had to speak at the award ceremony because she was required to do so. That’s why she took the microphone; otherwise, she wouldn’t have done it. The Minsk-born tennis player finished the final and went straight to the changeover chair to smash her racket. "I hope Elena celebrates it today and tomorrow to give me the chance to win something before the end of the year," she joked.
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