Aryna Sabalenka keeps promise with classy gesture after winning US Open
Aryna Sabalenka came through for the New York fans after her US Open title run.
Aryna Sabalenka stuck to her word after making a promise to the US Open crowd.
The world No. 2 had a tough route to the title - she played Americans in the final and semi-final, meaning the fans were against her.
But Sabalenka tried to get them on-side by vowing to buy everyone a drink. And she followed through after lifting the trophy.
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Twelve months ago, the Belarusian struggled to cope with the 23,700-strong Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd cheering for Coco Gauff in the final and lost in three sets. She later said the fans were so loud, they “blocked her ears”.
But Sabalenka learned from her experience in Flushing Meadows, beating Emma Navarro and Jessica Pegula back-to-back to lift the trophy. Ahead of her semi-final clash with Navarro, the 26-year-old was asked what she’d do to get people “on her side” during an on-court interview.
“Drinks on me tonight?” she laughed. After beating Navarro, she promised to come good. Sabalenka is sponsored by Dobel Tequila and she told the spectators: “So guys, marg-’Aryna’ for everyone from Dobel Tequila. You're welcome!”
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Sabalenka and Dobel kept their promise. On Monday, the tequila company shared an Instagram post with a discount code to receive money off a drink.
“When Maestra & 2024 US Open Champion @arynasabalenka promises, we deliver! Enjoy a Dobel Tequila cocktail or neat serve on us,” they wrote. “Celebrate big – at a small price. Save $10 on a Dobel Tequila cocktail or neat serve from Sep 9 through Sep 15 in New York by texting *drinksonme* to 24272.”
Sabalenka reposted the offer to her story, adding: “Drinks on me! I kept my promise, now go celebrate!” There’s no doubt the New York fans will root for the world No. 2 when she returns to Flushing Meadows as the defending champion next year.
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But Sabalenka’s difficult experience in the 2023 final helped her stay composed when she faced Navarro and Pegula. After her semi-final victory, the 26-year-old explained: “Yeah, I mean, like last year it was very tough experience, very tough lesson.
“Today in the match, I was, like, No, no, no, Aryna, it's not going to happen again. You have to control your emotions. You have to focus on yourself.
"There was people supporting for me. I was trying to focus on them. I'm thinking, come on, there is so many people supporting you. There is your team in the box. There is your family. Just focus on yourself and try to - not try - just fight for it. Yeah, that's it.”
