From the Laver Cup to the BJK Cup: Stephen Curry joins Roger Federer, Swiatek's tribute to her dad, Paolini’s heroics for Italy and Sabalenka finds her 'work life balance'

Sabalenka’s “work life balance’ after US Open victory

Aryna Sabalenka uploaded a series of photos to her social networks with the caption 'Work life balance', precisely what she shows between training and days off after being crowned US Open champion. The Belarusian cleared up doubts regarding the fight for the world No. 1 and became the first female tennis player to successfully defend the US Open in 10 years.

Sabalenka had fallen in two Grand Slam finals this season, but managed to walk away with the trophy in her last opportunity of the year in Flushing Meadows. After getting her fourth major title, the Belarusian chose to take a few days off, extending her time off the court after announcing her withdrawal from the China Open. The Belarusian will return in two weeks at the Wuhan Open, a tournament where she has won the title in her three appearances.

Iga Swiatek's emotional victory at Seoul

Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek shared a heartfelt reflection on her social networks after winning the Korea Open title in a close final against Ekaterina Alexandrova. The Polish player showed her resilience in finals, overcoming a set down and taking the victory 1-6, 7-6(3), 7-5, in what is her 3rd title of the season, adding to Wimbledon and Cincinnati. The world No. 2 earns 500 points at the start of the Asian swing and manages to slightly close the gap in the rankings with Aryna Sabalenka, who still remains the leader of the ranking with a wide advantage.

On social networks, the 6-time major champion left a reflection after an exciting week in Seoul, an important city for Świątek, since her father Tomasz Swiatek became an Olympic athlete there, competing in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games in rowing, finishing in 7th place.

“It's amazing how life works sometimes. When I was a kid I heard all these stories about Olympics, Seoul, challenge and experience. And here I am, in front of all of you tonight, winning tennis tournament in the same city that my dad was telling me so much about. Moments like this one remind me of the importance of the path, the process, experience. And the power of a story. My story,” she posted on Instagram.

Italy wins back-to-back Billie Jean King Cup titles

The Italian women's team once again showed why they are the best of recent years and won back-to-back titles in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals against the USA. For the third consecutive year, the Europeans reached the final, with Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Jasmine Paolini as the team's stars for the final with the USA. The Europeans had lost in the 2023 final and then took the title in 2024. This time, against Navarro and Pegula respectively, the Italians secured singles victories, ensuring the title without the need to play the doubles.

The Italians led the celebrations with several interesting moments on social media, including the joy of Paolini, Bronzetti and Sara Errani. They became the first country to successfully defend the title since the Czech Republic 9 years ago (2014-2016). They even invited the legend Billie Jean King - who gives her name to the tournament - to the celebration by giving her an Italian jacket, which the 11-time Grand Slam champion proudly showed off while trying it on at the Shenzhen Center Court.

Rybakina arrives to Beijing

Elena Rybakina arrived in Beijing to compete in the China Open, her next tournament on the calendar, after being eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. The Kazakh player was defending her country in the series against the USA, winning a singles victory against Jessica Pegula - although they ended up saying goodbye in the decisive doubles match, where the Rybakina/Putintseva duo could not overcome Pegula and Townsend.

Rybakina returns to the Asian swing without defending points for the remainder of the season - at least until the WTA Finals. The former Wimbledon champion is in the fight to secure a spot in the Finals, currently in 8th place in the Race, and urgently needs to add points to stay in the qualifying zone for Riyadh. At least in her last few months, she has achieved several deep runs, with appearances in the semifinals at the WTA 1000 Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open, and then a 4th round at the US Open - being eliminated against Marketa Vondrousova.