Sabalenka and the portrait of the true animal spirit

Mónica Barberán Munera | 8 Sep 2024 | 11.18

Aryna Sabalenka at the US Open 2024. Photo: Getty

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I wish chasing dreams were as easy as walking on a path of roses, but in the world of tennis, as in other aspects of life, nothing is achieved for free. Many obstacles along the way, events that bring more sorrows than joys are reasonable causes to give up and stop fighting. However, there will always be someone willing to carry all those stones in the backpack to unload them when reaching the top. Aryna Sabalenka is one of those 'backpackers' who know pain, fear, and darkness before the light. Thus, her first title at the US Open has greatly rewarded her commitment to greatness that not everyone is willing to pay for.

The Belarusian already knew the way and, even so, she tried again to finish conquering the summit of that great mountain in New York. Last year she was close, and it affected and angered her, but she healed the wound as she had done before with others. She would try again. Surely, the way she started the year in Australia already hinted that she would close the Grand Slam stage in the same way, with a bang. Although it cannot be hidden that, after her time there, Aryna's performance decreased, a price she paid after the glory. But that was just to gain the momentum she would need later.

Always faithful to her ideas and style, Sabalenka arrived in New York on a high after stunningly winning Cincinnati. The favorite was very clear, and Aryna always knew it. Match by match, but with her mind always thinking of not giving up just in case, as anything can happen, especially at a Slam. However, the trophy was waiting for her like that red thread connecting two souls meant to meet. Sabalenka knocked down walls and overcame obstacles to merge with her coveted trophy. Described like that, it may seem devoid of complexity, but the Belarusian is capable of that, of making the difficult easy. Her determination, power, and grit have made her globally recognized as the tigress of the circuit, a true reflection of that animal spirit of survival.

Like an animal with its prey in sight

Aryna has suffered irreplaceable losses on her journey, a path marked by tireless work and sacrifices, but also by great evolution, especially within her mind. Therefore, we can confidently say that she has emerged as a warrior capable of mastering the game not only due to her physical strength but also her mental fortitude. This title once again demonstrates her resilience in the face of adversity and how trying again has led her to fulfill that dream that once slipped through her fingers. Aryna has not only won a title but has overcome all the obstacles that life placed before her to leave behind misfortune in New York. Now, a beast is loose. Who will be able to catch it?

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka y el retrato del auténtico espíritu animal