Aryna Sabalenka found herself weighed down by errors in a 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 US Open finals loss to teenaged Coco Gauff.
The player who on Monday takes over the WTA top ranking admitted her mind was spinning too fast in the title match against the American teenager which lasted for just over two hours.
After losing the opening set, Gauff managed to turn the tide in front of a delirious home public and end an American women’s title drought here which stretched back six years.
“Sometimes I can get emotional. Today I was overthinking and I was missing balls I shouldn’t be missing,” Sabalenka said in defeat.
“I’m making a lot of winners and a lot of unforced errors… I got over-emotional in the second set – that’s where she started to believe she could win the match.
“It was like me against me.”
The 25-year-old was treated on court in the third set for a leg complaint. “It (adductor injury) was not a crazy one, it was just, like, super tight.
“I called for the physio, hoping that it’s going to help; I hoped I would start moving a little bit better.”
Sabalenka said that the knowledge that she would become No. 1 in a day helped to take away some of the sting of defeat.
“That’s why I’m not super depressed right now.. I’m definitely going for a drink tonight.
“Yes , we are athletes, but sometimes we are drinking, but not much.”
She added: “Becoming a world No. 1, it’s a huge improvement, and achievement. I’m really proud of myself that all those years I have been working so hard helped me to become No. 1.
“But for me it’s more about ending the year as No. 1, not just becoming No. 1 and then next week you’re second.
“I would like to finish the year as No. 1. That’s why I’m positive, and still motivated.”
