Aryna Sabalenka has spoken of her “aggression and disappointment” as she addressed her angry outbursts during and after her 2026 US Open final defeat.
The four-time Grand Slam champion was beaten 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 by Elena Rybakina in the championship match in New York on Saturday evening.
Sabalenka, who was aiming to win her third consecutive US Open title, has not won a major since her victory at Flushing Meadows a year ago.
The Belarusian star will lose the world No 1 ranking to Rybakina next week, having occupied top spot since October 2024.
The 28-year-old expressed her frustration by firing a ball into the crowd in Arthur Ashe Stadium, and she destroyed her racket after match point.
In her post-match press conference, Sabalenka was asked about her emotional outbursts.
“It’s really tough to control your emotions when you lose in a final of a Grand Slam and when you were trying to go for three-peat (three US Open titles in a row),” said Sabalenka.
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“If I were to hold it inside, right now or on the court, I wouldn’t be able to say a word. I would go not really nice over there. I wanted to let go of all that aggression and disappointment outside.”
In her speech during the on-court trophy presentation, Sabalenka said: “The last thing I want to do right now is give a speech but I’ll try my best.
“Obviously I’m disappointed, but I want to congratulate Elena on an incredible year, an incredible result.
“Well deserved. Enjoy it tonight, and have fun. So I can win some titles!
“I wish I could have performed a little bit better, but I guess there’s next year.”
