Sabalenka after US Open win: “It has always been my goal to put our family name in the history of tennis.”

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus became a three-time Grand Slam champion by defeating American Jessica Pegula in the 2024 US Open final, adding to her two previous major titles from the Australian Open. When asked if she thought about her place in tennis history, Sabalenka revealed that the goal had been in her heart since the loss of her father.

Speaking to the press after her US Open victory, 26-year-old Sabalenka said:

“After I lost my father, it was always my goal to put our family name in the history of tennis. Every time I see my name on that trophy, I’m so proud of myself – I’m proud of my family, that they never gave up on my dream, that they did everything they could to keep me going and that I had this opportunity in life. It really means a lot. It’s always been my dream.”

Aryna Sabalenka’s father, Sergey, died unexpectedly in 2019 at the age of 43 from meningitis. Sergey had a huge impact on Aryna’s life, introducing her to tennis by chance at the age of six when they were driving past some tennis courts and decided to give the sport a try. From that point on, he became a major influence in her early career, shaping her journey to professional tennis.

During the interview after her victory in the 2024 US Open final, Sabalenka, who had finished runner-up to Coco Gauff the year before, shared what it meant to finally triumph in New York: “Oh my God, I’m speechless right now. I’ve been so close to winning the US Open title so many times; it’s always been a dream of mine. Finally I got this beautiful trophy. It means a lot.”

Turning to address her opponent, Jessica PegulaSabalenka expressed her sincere words: “I know how difficult it is to lose in the final. You show great tennis and I am sure you will win one. I mean, not one, maybe more. But let’s start with one Grand Slam. Congratulations on a great summer. You are a great player.”