NEW YORK – Aryna Sabalenka is full of life and mirth. A US Open champion anew on Saturday, she played a drum solo with her palms on her fitness trainer Jason Stacy’s bald pate, where, in honor of his employer, he had affixed a temporary dragon tattoo.

Talking with Sloane Stephens on the ESPN set, she made plain her celebration plans -- “Oh girl, we’re gonna drink!” -- then arrived at her news conference with a bottle of Champagne in hand and protective goggles perched on her forehead.

“Cheers, guys!” she said at one merry stage.

But she knows the dark side, too.

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