Aryna Sabalenka walked onto the court for the US Open final carrying the heavy burden of expectations—from herself, her team, and the entire tennis world. She walked off as a champion, having masterfully managed that weight to secure a 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory over Amanda Anisimova.
As the World No. 1 and defending champion, anything less than a victory would have been seen as a disappointment. Compounding that pressure was her own internal desire to avenge her final-round losses earlier in the season. She admitted she felt she “deserved” a Grand Slam this year, a powerful but heavy expectation to place on oneself.
Throughout the final, she played like a player who was comfortable with this burden. There was a seriousness and a focus to her game that suggested she was on a mission. Even when faced with adversity, she did not panic, instead relying on her preparation and self-belief to see her through.
Winning under such immense pressure is a hallmark of a true champion. Sabalenka did not just defeat Amanda Anisimova; she conquered the monumental weight of expectations to prove that she is, without a doubt, the best player in the world.
The Champion’s Burden: Sabalenka Carries Weight of Expectations to Victory
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Photo By Ocoudis, via wikimedia commons