Aryna Sabalenka may be one of the fiercest competitors on tour, but even champions know the value of a good night’s sleep. After sealing her own progress at the US Open, the defending women’s champion lightheartedly credited men’s star Carlos Alcaraz for helping her dodge a dreaded late-night finish at Flushing Meadows.
The Belarusian, who thrives on intensity and consistency, was scheduled for a primetime slot at Arthur Ashe Stadium. With the unpredictable scheduling of the US Open, where matches often stretch into the early hours, Sabalenka admitted she was relieved when Alcaraz wrapped up his preceding contest swiftly.
“I have to say thank you to Carlos,” she joked in her post-match press conference. “Usually here you never know when you’ll actually get on court. I was ready for a midnight start, but he finished quickly. So I get some sleep tonight.”
Late-Night Chaos at Flushing Meadows
The US Open has built a reputation for late-night thrillers, sometimes testing both players’ stamina and fans’ endurance. Last year’s 3:00 a.m. finishes sparked criticism from players like Daniil Medvedev and Iga Swiatek, who argued that such scheduling can compromise recovery and performance.
Sabalenka herself has been caught in such marathon scenarios before, where adrenaline and exhaustion collide. Her lighthearted praise for Alcaraz highlights a very real issue—tennis players often have little control over when they step on court, especially in Grand Slam tournaments where television rights and scheduling demands dictate order of play.
A Champion’s Routine
Despite her playful comments, Sabalenka emphasized the importance of routine during a Slam run. Sleep, recovery, and mental clarity are vital for athletes competing at the highest level, and even small disruptions can throw off preparation.
“Recovery is everything in these two weeks,” she said. “I like to have my routine, my rest, my treatment. When you finish very late, the next day is always more difficult. So tonight, thanks to Carlos, I’m safe.”
Shared Respect Between Stars
Sabalenka’s remark also highlighted the camaraderie among tennis’s top stars. Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion and a fan favorite in New York, has been praised for his fearless attacking game and ability to entertain under pressure. Sabalenka, meanwhile, has built her reputation as a power player with relentless intensity.
Though they compete in different draws, both embody the spirit of modern tennis—youthful, aggressive, and charismatic. Sabalenka’s public thanks was more than just humor; it reflected the shared grind players endure at a major tournament, where scheduling quirks affect everyone.
Looking Ahead
With her title defense underway, Sabalenka will look to build on her strong start, balancing her fierce on-court presence with the discipline required off it. As she put it:
“Every little detail matters here. The matches are tough, the pressure is big. If I can get my sleep and energy, then I can bring my best tennis.”
For once, she didn’t just credit her team or her preparation—she credited Alcaraz for saving her from a late-night battle with the clock.
