This past weekend, Aryna Sabalenka won the U.S. Open for women’s singles tennis, defeating Jessica Pegula in an emotional final in New York City. Now, the 26-year-old Belarussian is celebrating in style after being gifted a custom WWE Championship.
Sabalenka was presented with the championship backstage at Arthur Ashe Stadium following her victory. Sabalenka said that the title, which is based off of SmackDown’s Women’s Championship is “so cool” and it’s “crazy” that she now has the gold.
Sabalenko’s victory in the U.S. Open and her subsequent WWE Women’s Championship are just the latest accolades for the tennis prodigy. She has also won the Australian Open twice, capturing the top spot in 2023 and 2024, and has also won the U.S. and Australian Opens in doubles action.
Custom Championships
WWE has given out numerous custom belts to winning sports teams and athletes in recent years, including the Kansas City Chiefs after their Super Bowl victory in 2023. WWE has also created legacy championships celebrating teams in the NFL, NHL, and the NBA, among others.
After winning the Australian Open men’s doubles last year, Tennis stars Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis (known affectionately as the Special Ks) were awarded a title with custom side plates. Now, Sabalenka is the latest tennis star with a WWE Championship, and if she keeps her winning ways going on the court, this may not be her last title from the Sports Entertainment juggernaut.
