PHOTOS: "Hungry for more!" Aryna Sabalenka gets her WTA world No. 1 trophy

On Saturday, Aryna Sabalenka was inconsolable after her defeat in the US Open final at the hands of Coco Gauff, with the American rallying from a set down to a 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory. She broke down in tears during an emotional trophy ceremony, and cameras later spotted the 25-year-old smashing one of her racquets in the locker room before dumping it in the trash.

But by Monday, things were looking up once again as Sabalenka officially rose to the WTA world No. 1 ranking for the first time.

To commemorate the milestone, the reigning Australian Open champion received the Chris Evert WTA No. 1 Trophy and took part in a photoshoot featuring panoramic views of Manhattan’s Central Park.

“If somebody would ever tell me when I just started to play tennis that one day I’ll be number one in the world I probably would never believe in that,” Sabalenka shared on Instagram.

“I am very fortunate and thankful that I had so much support throughout my whole life from my family and people around me to achieve what I have today!

“Thanks to everyone for your warm messages, you make me feel very special.”

Sabalenka, who told press after the final that her new target was securing the WTA’s Year-End No. 1 Ranking, also added: “Hungry for more!”

Congratulations were already pouring in from players in the comments, including some from a few former world No.1s:

“Well deserved and beautiful,” said Victoria Azarenka, the first player representing Belarus to reach WTA’s world No. 1 ranking.

“Congratulations Aryna!!! You should be so proud of all your achievements so far,” wrote Boris Becker, while Elena Vesnina, a former world No. 1 in doubles, added, “The outfit and the whole image are simply..!” along with a few fire and applause emojis.

Sabalenka is the 29th woman to rise to the top in singles, and just the eighth player ever to have held both the singles and doubles No. 1 rankings. Sabalenka, who partnered with Elise Mertens to win the 2019 US Open and 2021 Australian Open titles, also became No. 1 in doubles in February 2021.