3 Lessons from Aryna Sabalenka’s U.S. Open Victory

Yesterday, Aryna Sabalenka captured her first U.S. Open women’s singles title, but it wasn’t just the win that inspired me—it was her post-match speech. Reflecting on her journey, Sabalenka spoke about overcoming tough losses, staying committed, and how those moments of perseverance eventually led to her success. She said something that really stood out: “Never give up on your dream, just keep trying, keep working hard.”

As law students, this message resonates deeply. Law school and bar prep are filled with challenges, but Sabalenka’s victory highlights a powerful truth: success isn’t built in moments of ease; it’s forged through persistence, resilience, and finding balance.

Here are three key takeaways from Sabalenka’s inspiring message that you can apply to your legal journey:

1. Embrace Failure as Part of Success

Sabalenka acknowledged her tough losses in past tournaments, reflecting on how difficult those moments were. But rather than letting them defeat her, she used those setbacks as motivation.

In law school, you’ll face your own challenges—whether it’s a quiz score that didn’t meet your expectations or a concept that feels impossible to grasp. But remember, these setbacks are part of your learning process. Just like Sabalenka said, “No matter which situation we were facing ... we were able to go through it and get all those beautiful trophies.” Your victories—whether acing a final, landing an internship, or passing the bar exam—will come as a result of working through those difficult moments.

2. Balance Hard Work with Joy

Sabalenka talked about the importance of hard work, but she also demonstrated that success doesn’t mean sacrificing everything. She made time for fun, connected with fans, and shared lighthearted moments off the court.

As a law student, this balance is crucial. Dedication is important, but it’s equally important to take breaks, enjoy time with friends, and engage in activities that bring you joy. You don’t have to give up everything you love to succeed. In fact, maintaining a sense of balance will help you stay refreshed and motivated. Law school can be intense, but like Sabalenka, you can find joy along the way—and that joy will fuel your hard work.

3. Celebrate Your Progress

One of the most striking moments in Sabalenka’s speech was when she said, “I never say this, but really, I’m super proud of myself. I’m proud of my team.” This is something many of us struggle with—acknowledging our own achievements.

Law school is tough, and it’s easy to focus on what you haven’t done or what’s left to tackle. But take a moment to be proud of yourself, just like Sabalenka did. You’re showing up every day, putting in the effort, and moving closer to your goal. That’s something to be proud of, even if the final results haven’t arrived yet. Don’t forget to celebrate your progress and the hard work you’re investing in your future.

Sabalenka’s victory and her reflections on the journey to get there are a powerful reminder that success is about more than just the end result. It’s about persevering through challenges, working hard while finding balance, and—most importantly—being proud of your effort. So, as you tackle law school, remember to embrace the journey, keep pushing forward, and find moments of joy along the way.

Because as Sabalenka said, “If you’re really working hard ... you’re going to get it one day.”