"I would love to": Aryna Sabalenka has sights set on US Open final revenge with Coco Gauff rematch

Aryna Sabalenka expressed her desire to replicate the 2023 US Open final against Coco Gauff in the upcoming WTA Finals this week.

World No. 1 had a brilliant year, winning her first Grand Slam at the Australian Open and claiming the top spot in the Rankings from Iga Swiatek. Sabalenka's outstanding 2023 performance makes her the first seed in the WTA Finals as she seeks the title.

In her two previous appearances, her best result was reaching the final last year, where she lost to Caroline Garcia. However, this year, Sabalenka is the top favorite and hopes to avenge what happened at the US Open two months ago.

The Belarusian reached the US Open final with the World No. 1 ranking already secured but couldn't overcome Coco Gauff, who was on an impressive hardcourt winning streak and claimed her first career Grand Slam. Sabalenka's frustration was evident with her on-court tears and recordings of her breaking a racket in the locker room.

During the group draw ceremony, Sabalenka was asked if she anticipates a rematch of the US Open final against Coco Gauff.

“Yes, I would like to, I would love to,” she said.

"Of course, I was disappointed but Coco played on another level. I just have to accept this loss and move forward," Sabalenka added.

Despite being the top seed, Sabalenka mentioned that she doesn't see any clear favorites in the tournament:

"I think all of us are favorites for this tournament. It's tough to say that someone's favorite here."

For now, Sabalenka's rematch against Gauff will have to wait, as they were drawn into different groups, and both will need to secure their spots in the semifinals for fans to potentially enjoy a reunion.

In the Round Robin draw, Sabalenka was grouped with Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, and Maria Sakkari, while Gauff will face Iga Swiatek, Ons Jabeur, and Marketa Vondrousova.