"I’ve learned that if you made the final it doesn’t mean you’re gonna win": How Aryna Sabalenka turned losses into a US Open victory

Aryna Sabalenka concluded an extraordinary 2025 season by taking some time off in Brazil, enjoying moments away from the tour and connecting with her boyfriend’s family and friends. She even met football legend Ronaldo and his wife, making her trip memorable beyond the tennis court. The World No. 1 described her time in the country as a mix of cultural immersion and personal relaxation, noting how much she enjoyed the people, food, and the warmth of Brazilian hospitality.

Throughout 2025, Sabalenka maintained a level of consistency that few players on the WTA Tour could match. Unlike her 2024 season, when she surged late to claim the top ranking, this year she held the No. 1 spot for most of the season. The Belarusian ended the year with an impressive 63–12 record and four titles, including her fourth Grand Slam at the US Open, where she defeated Amanda Anisimova in the final. Despite this, she remained grounded, focusing on personal development and growth rather than the ranking itself.

While the season was filled with victories, Sabalenka faced moments of disappointment, losing five finals, including the Australian Open to Madison Keys, the French Open to Coco Gauff, and the WTA Finals to Elena Rybakina. She reflected on the lessons learned from these experiences, noting that reaching the final does not guarantee victory and that managing expectations is crucial. “I’ve learned that if you made the final it doesn’t mean that you’re gonna win the tournament," she said to ESPN Brazil. "Every time I would make my way to the finals, I would think, okay things are going my way, I’m gonna win the title,” she said.

Beyond her on-court achievements, Sabalenka emphasized the personal relationships and experiences that defined her year. Collaborating with brands, engaging with fans, and exploring new environments like Brazil all contributed to a broader perspective that enriched her professional life. With four titles, including a Grand Slam, over $15 million in earnings, and her second consecutive year as World No. 1, she enters 2026 with confidence and clarity of purpose.

Sabalenka also shared her observations about the younger generation of players, highlighting Joao Fonseca as a promising talent. She praised his athleticism and potential, acknowledging that while he still needs to develop aspects of his physical game, the foundation around him is strong. “He has a great team around him and he’s working towards that direction. Definitely in a couple years, we’re gonna see him in the top 10,” she said, demonstrating her awareness of the sport beyond her own results.

Looking ahead, Sabalenka expects 2026 to be a highly competitive season. With Jelena Ostapenko returning to form and Iga Swiatek slowly finding her rhythm, she anticipates tough battles ahead. “Honestly, I think it’s gonna be an incredible and a very tough season… I love to accept tough challenges and I’m really excited for the next season,” she admitted. Her confidence and readiness to face adversity reflect the maturity she has gained over years at the top of women’s tennis.

Even with the pressures of holding the top ranking, Sabalenka embraced the challenges of the season with enthusiasm. She emphasized that personal growth and consistent performance were more important than titles alone. “I think the right way to approach is to focus on yourself and to focus on developing yourself…that was my main priority, and I think that’s what really helped me to stay in that position till the very end of the season,” she said.

Her time in Brazil highlighted another side of the athlete: the human side. Away from the tour, she immersed herself in the culture, enjoyed local cuisine, and found joy in simple experiences. “I met family of my boyfriend, friends of my boyfriend…we spent really great time together…so far Brazil treated me amazing and I fall in love with Brazil,” Sabalenka reflected, showing that her year wasn’t just about winning matches, but also about building memories and connections.