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Chris Evert shares why Aryna Sabalenka has extra motivation ahead of the US Open final

Originally posted on HITC | By Callum Davies | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 9:55 AM ET

Chris Evert has pointed out why this year’s US Open carries extra significance for Aryna Sabalenka, as she returns to the final for a second straight year.

Evert mentioned how impressive it was that Sabalenka reached back-to-back finals after a big shift in the women’s game last season. She noted Sabalenka’s strong start to 2024 as well, with three Grand Slam semi-final appearances already under her belt.

The Sky Sports analyst also highlighted another reason behind Sabalenka’s intensity: “It goes hand-in-hand with the emotion and fire that you see on court because she lost her father at such a young age and I think she plays for him,” Evert said.

Chris Evert breaks down why Aryna Sabalenka is so hungry for this US Open title

Speaking live on ESPN, she highlighted how women’s tennis continues to deliver: “They’re playing all the exciting matches, and Aryna Sabalenka, you know, that’s why she’s number one. She pulls through these tough, tough matches, and she finds a way.”

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The 18-time Grand Slam champion then discussed why this particular title would mean so much to Sabalenka: “And even though she hasn’t won a slam, this is so important to her to win this one because this would be the only slam she wins this year. But she’s still been the most consistent in all the slams and tournaments throughout the year and she just is a great champion.

“I just think she really showed us so much empowerment and so much power and so much strength. She’s a great role model for kids.”

Evert also took a moment to address Pegula directly, understanding how difficult that loss must have been for her.

Aryna Sabalenka should have a Grand Slam to her name

If Aryna Sabalenka falls short in the US Open final, she could end up among those elite players who held the world number one ranking most of the year without a major title to show for it.

But that label wouldn’t tell the full story of her 2025 season.

Hear her ROAR! pic.twitter.com/NaDMUcpy9d
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2025

At the Australian Open, she ran into Madison Keys playing some of her best tennis. It was a level even Keys might not have expected from herself.

At Roland Garros, changing conditions played a big part in her letting go of an early lead.

And Wimbledon was another odd chapter. Even though Sabalenka wasn’t at her best, she still reached the semi-finals before being clearly outplayed by Elena Rybakina.

Now, after getting past Pegula, she’s back in another Grand Slam final.

Even without lifting a trophy this year, Sabalenka has once again been one of the top performers on tour. A major title would be well-deserved recognition for what’s been an impressive campaign.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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