Novak Djokovic on course for 24th grand slam
Aryna Sabalenka apologised to her family and admitted that she was “definitely going for a drink” after losing the US Open final to Coco Gauff on Saturday. The Belarusian suffered a 6-2, 3-6, 2-6 defeat to the home favourite and was denied a second Grand Slam victory of her career, having won the Australian Open earlier this year.
Sabalenka apologised on the court during her post-match interview, but later clarified what she was saying sorry for after another strong Major performance to cap off an impressive year for the 25-year-old that also saw her reach the semi-finals of Wimbledon and the French Open.
The runner-up apologised to her family and friends back in Belarus, who are nine hours ahead of New York and “they’re not going to sleep well” after watching her defeat to Gauff. “Well, without them, I wouldn’t be here,” Sabalenka said when asked about her family’s support.
“They have been pushing themselves so hard so I would have this chance to become a tennis player. I mean, I don’t know what time is it there right now. It’s probably night. For me, it’s important to get good sleep for them, you know.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive tennis news
JUST IN Novak Djokovic cried during 2021 US Open final and Daniil Medvedev ‘felt sorry'[THROWBACK]
“So they were awake, watching me. I mean, now they have to go to bed, but 100 per cent they’re not going to sleep well. So that’s what I apologize for. Yeah, I would say that my family did a good job. If not them, I wouldn’t be here. I really appreciate for everything they did, yeah.”
During her post-match press conference, Sabalenka was also asked for her thoughts on becoming the new world No 1 despite failing to win the Grand Slam. She admitted that it was a silver lining before opening up on her plans for after the tournament – which included going for a drink on Saturday night.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Don’t miss…
Sabalenka ‘fires’ team before Gauff final as Shelton responds to Djokovic[LATEST]
Coco Gauff cries in her parents’ arms after winning US Open with heroic victory[REACTION]
Coco Gauff wins US Open with steely comeback over Sabalenka for first Grand Slam[REPORT]
“Yeah, that’s why probably, that’s why I’m not super depressed right now,” Sabalenka responded when asked about her new ranking. “I’m definitely going to be. I’m definitely going for a drink tonight if I’m allowed to say that. Yes, we are athletes, but sometimes we are drinking, but not much.
“But becoming a world No 1, it’s a huge improvement, and achievement, actually. I’m really proud of myself that all those years I have been working so hard helped me to become world No 1.
“But, you know, like, for me it’s more about end the year as world No 1, not just like become world No 1 and then next week you’re second.
“It’s good so that I can say I have been world No 1, but I really would like to finish the year as world No 1. That’s why I’m, like, still positive, and I’m still motivated.”
US Open tennis makes its long-awaited return to Sky Sports and it’s certainly not something to be missed.
Sky Sports subscribers on Sky Glass, Sky Stream, Sky Q, and the Sky Sports app will be able to watch all courts for the first time on Sky Sports.
Want to watch the US Open Tennis but don’t own Sky?
Never fear as you can get Sky Glass, Sky TV, Netflix for £14 a month for six months – thanks to a limited time deal.
You can also get six months Sky Sports completely free.
Source: Read Full Article