ARYNA SABALENKA is ready to kick back and ‘drink tequila’ in the Maldives – after breaking down in tears over missing out on a £4million jackpot.
The World No1 passed up on the chance to net a record-breaking prize pot after a straight sets defeat in the WTA Finals final in Saudi Arabia against Elena Rybakina.
The Belarusian star was swept aside 6-3 7-6 (7-0) in her season ending showdown and is now set to take some time away from the court and toast a successful season – despite the recent heartache in the Middle East.
We previously told how Sabalenka cut an emotional figure as she choked up and cried during her post-match speech on Saturday.
Sabalenka said: “After a while, I actually feel great. I lost, but she played amazingly. I think I did my best. It didn’t work, but I’m leaving this tournament proud of myself and everything we’ve achieved this year.
“I can say that from all the mistakes I made this year, next time we will come more prepared and with better control in big matches.
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“Maybe I was a little emotional today, but it didn’t affect my game. I just didn’t take advantage of some of the chances I had.
“Now it’s time to sit down in the Maldives, maybe drink some tequila and analyse my season, my behaviour and emotions.
“I think it’s been great so far, I just need to be even better with myself and continue to improve next year.”
Sabalenka ends her 2025 campaign with title success including her one Grand Slam triumph at the US Open.
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She also reached the last two in both the Australian and French Open tournaments, while she was a semi-finalist at Wimbledon.
The 27-year-old star was victorious in Miami and Madrid but is yet to get over the line at the tour finals event.
This latest defeat was her second time reaching the event showpiece.
Taking to her Instagram account she told her 3.8million followers: “What a tournament. This wasn’t the outcome I was hoping for but I’m grateful to have made it to the finals.
“Thank you to the fans for making me feel so welcome here, this stadium has such a special atmosphere. And thank you to my team, you all left me speechless on the court.
“But seriously, I’m really grateful for you all. We have so much to be proud of.”
She followed up that post with another, accompanied by series of photos from her season, and added: “And that’s a wrap on the 2025 season! This was a tough year, but incredibly rewarding.
“A Grand Slam title, World #1 for the second consecutive year, and a few trophies later… I couldn’t have done it without Team Tiger — the people that are by my side time and time again.
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“I’ve learned so many lessons this year through the ups and the downs of every single tournament and the training in between.
“Beyond blessed and grateful for it all. 2026 season — bring it on.”
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