Aryna Sabalenka delivered an emotional victory speech after defending her US Open title, but the moment took an unexpected turn when she was cut short mid-sentence. Not one to leave important words unsaid, the Belarusian star playfully took the microphone back, thanking her team, family, boyfriend, and the fans who helped carry her through another successful fortnight in New York.
How Did Aryna Sabalenka Turn an Awkward Interruption Into a Heartfelt Moment?
Sabalenka defended her crown on Saturday night with a 6-3, 7-6(3) victory over eighth-seeded crowd favorite Amanda Anisimova. The win made her the first singles player to win successive titles at the US Open since Serena Williams’ hat-trick of triumphs from 2012-2014.
That feeling 😍 pic.twitter.com/EpcRCl00N3
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2025
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of 🐯🏆
Aryna Sabalenka, two-time US Open champion. pic.twitter.com/RrpRhsIbaC
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2025
During the trophy ceremony, presenter Mary Carillo prompted Sabalenka to reflect on her experience competing in front of a largely American crowd. The World No. 1 noted how the reception has shifted over the years, stating:
“I love it here. I love the support. I feel like throughout the years we’ve built a relationship, and you guys give me so much support.”
She recalled her early challenges, saying: “My first year here, when I saw that I had to play back-to-back against Americans, I was just like, no way, guys, please, I don’t want to play. But then, coming back the next year, I had to play again back-to-back against Americans in the semis and finals. I felt a bit more support.”
“And this year I felt even more support. So I’m super excited to come back next year, and I hope you all are going to cheer for me. Thank you, guys, for bringing the best atmosphere,” she added.
Carillo then attempted to transition to presenting the winner’s check, but Sabalenka quickly interjected with a smile and said:
“Wait, wait, wait, wait. I need to say thank you to my team. I’m not done. What do you mean?” she said, drawing laughter from the crowd. “Sorry. I thought it would be rude because I’m giving hard times to my team and leave them without appreciation and the speech would be mean.”
Mary Carillo manages to cut off BOTH women’s finalists’ speeches
byu/Large_banana_hammock intennis
The Belarusian went on to express gratitude to her inner circle, stating:
“I want to say thank you to my team, to my family, to everyone who came here, who flew from Miami, from LA, to be in my box, to support me, to cheer me on. It’s been tough this year. In those finals, I was really terrible towards you. But come on, it’s worth it, right? So guys, thank you so much. I love you. You’re my family.”
What Personal Touches Made Sabalenka’s Victory Speech Unforgettable?
Sabalenka also gave a public mention of her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, acknowledging his role in her success.
“And thank you to my boyfriend who is always there for me, cheering me on. Without your support, I wouldn’t be able to make it,” the Belarusian said.
To close the speech, she offered a heartfelt nod to her roots, saying: “And the last thing, because I know people back home are watching. This morning I received a video from the tennis school where I started. The kids were cheering me on, wishing me all the best. I was crying a little bit this morning. That was the moment I realized I cannot let them down. I have to give them some positive vibes.”
On her way to capturing a fourth Grand Slam singles title, Sabalenka recorded victories over Rebeka Masarova, Polina Kudermetova, 31st seed Leylah Fernandez, Cristina Bucșa, and Jessica Pegula, before her win over Anisimova.
