Aryna Sabalenka experienced a heartbreaking moment as she faced defeat against Elena Rybakina in the US Open final held in New York, with a score of 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. Following the match, Sabalenka appeared despondent, lost in thought alongside her team, encapsulating the emotional toll of the loss.

This tournament marked a significant turning point for Sabalenka, who had enjoyed considerable success at Flushing Meadows in the past. The 28-year-old now grapples with the reality of not securing a Grand Slam title this year, a first since 2022. Rybakina's victory not only awarded her a third Grand Slam title but also dethroned Sabalenka from her 99-week reign as world number one, ending the Belarusian's impressive 20-match winning streak at the US Open.

Throughout the final, Sabalenka struggled to maintain her composure against Rybakina's steady performance. Her frustration was evident as she slammed her racquet to the ground after conceding a break point, and in a moment of anger, she threw her racquet away after the match concluded. In a candid post-match interview, Sabalenka admitted, "It's really tough to control your emotions when you lose in the final of the Grand Slam and when you were trying to go for three-peat."

Former British number one Annabel Croft commented on Sabalenka's body language, noting that her negativity might have hindered her performance. Croft emphasized the importance of respecting Rybakina's level of play and suggested that Sabalenka could benefit from maintaining her poise during matches. As Sabalenka held back tears while praising Rybakina, the emotional weight of the match lingered, marking a challenging chapter in her career.