Aryna Sabalenka: Fresh Off Her US Open Win – Only on Welcome to the Party!

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Welcome to the Party

Episode: Aryna Sabalenka: Fresh Off Her US Open Win – Only on Welcome to the Party!
Date: September 9, 2025
Hosts: Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, Billie Jean King
Special Guest: Aryna Sabalenka

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Episode Overview

In this lively episode, the Welcome to the Party crew (Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, Billie Jean King) celebrates Aryna Sabalenka’s stunning back-to-back US Open win—her fourth Grand Slam and a history-making consecutive title. The conversation dives into Sabalenka’s journey, her mental game, the pressures and privileges of pro sports, women’s coaching and community, and the ever-growing landscape of women’s sports. The episode is packed with laughs, uplifting banter, and candid exploration of what it takes to be a champion, both on and off the court.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US Open Recap & Women’s Sports Momentum

• Billie Jean King shares US Open highlights:
  • The tournament was three weeks long this year, featuring mixed doubles as a centerpiece, which drew raucous crowds and shattered misconceptions about women’s tennis.
  • “The crowd, you know, is packed. 24,000. They just went nuts because...the woman athletes still can't quite cut it and they [were] killing the ball.” (BJK, 02:45)
• Tribute to Stacy Allaster:
  • Recognition of Stacy Allaster, outgoing US Open director, and her transformative impact.
  • “She's the first woman and it was her last year...every player mentioned it was great, it was a great send off, I heard.” (BJK, 04:41)

2. Party Starter: Headlines in Women’s Sports

• Sabalenka’s achievement:
  • First to defend US Open title since Serena, now a four-time Slam champ—context provided on her challenging season and comeback.
  • “First player since Serena Williams in 2014...to do that.” (Julie Foudy, 06:12)
• Other highlights:
  • Amanda Anisimova’s inspiring run after a mental health break.
  • Soccer transfer news: Alyssa Thompson’s historic move to Chelsea, raising questions about retaining top talent in NWSL.
  • WNBA: Golden State Valkyries become first expansion team to make playoffs and lead in attendance their inaugural season.

3. Aryna Sabalenka Joins the Party – In-depth Interview

Processing the Win and Staying Present ([11:54]–[12:33])

• Celebration vibes:
  • Sabalenka is fresh off her win, bubbly in both mood and attire (Moet goggles on!).
• Living in the Moment:
  • “I'm still trying to process what happened...I'm just super happy I was able to do it again.” (Sabalenka, 12:02)
• Preparation:
  • “I just love what I do. And I think when you love your job, you bring everything you have...it's important to be you to bring everything you have on court.” (Sabalenka, 12:33)

The Mental Shift – Lessons from Loss ([14:10]–[16:14])

• Handling Pressure & Growth:
  • Sabalenka credits a supportive team and learning from previous emotional setbacks in the Australian and French Open finals:

    “I had really tough lessons earlier this season where I completely lost control over my emotions, so I didn't want that to happen again. And I think that's really helped me to stay in control.” (Sabalenka, 14:27)

  • She describes the transformation, learning not to expect an easy match, and consciously preparing for the fight rather than hoping for ease.
  • “...it took me two finals, and then I just took a little break...to finally learn the lesson. And I'm so happy that in this final, my behavior was much better. Like, I was in control.” (Sabalenka, 15:44)

The Solitude of Individual Sport vs. Team Sport ([13:33])

• Difference from Team Sports:
  • Foudy and Wambach reflect on the unique pressure tennis stars face being out there alone, unlike soccer players who have teammates to lean on.
  • Sabalenka: “I have a huge team behind me... So every time I was struggling, I would just look in my box... and it would just help me to stay calm.” (Sabalenka, 14:10)

Is Pro Sport “Hard”? The Pressure vs. Privilege Debate ([17:12]–[20:34])

• Sabalenka’s View:
  • “I think to be on the high level in any sport, like, being an athlete, it's hard, of course... everything is hard if it comes to success. So I think it's important to love what you do, and then it becomes easier.” (Sabalenka, 17:12)
  • She lands “half and half” in the hosts’ ongoing debate: it’s hard, but loving it makes a difference.
• Abby’s View:
  • “I think there's so many different reasons why I think it was hard...the pressure and the responsibility...there was just like a heavy weight... But since I’ve retired, it’s been quite lovely.” (Wambach, 18:11)
• Billie Jean King's Perspective:
  • “First of all, we were amateurs, so we changed it to be a pro... Everything is such a privilege. I mean, I just [was] so excited.” (BJK, 19:24)
  • “Pressure is a privilege, right?” (Sabalenka, 19:37)
  • BJK emphasizes how each generation faces different pressures and opportunities.

Emotional Intelligence & Self-talk ([21:10]–[22:45], [28:30]–[30:42])

• Sabalenka’s Insight:
  • She reveals her internal dialogue during matches, which is central to her performance:

    “I'm telling myself, it's okay, she's gonna bring the fight...You got it. You're strong enough. Just go there and fight every point. And this is like, you have it constantly, like, in your head during the matches.” (Sabalenka, 22:24)

• Billie Jean King on Self-talk:
  • “I would really try to get myself in the process...just this ball, be with the ball...as a jock, as an athlete, you better. Or else...it falls apart when you're thinking in the future or the past and getting upset with yourself...It's really important to be present.” (BJK, 29:41)

On Relationships, Growth, and Legacy ([20:06], [23:32], [23:43])

• Gratitude for Those Who Came Before:
  • “We're lucky because of you. You fought for us. You did a huge change for us.” (Sabalenka, 20:06)
• Billie Jean King’s encouragement:
  • “I've watched you since you were very young, and so I just seen the progress and the emotional growth.” (BJK, 23:32)
• Memorable friendship:
  • Sabalenka recalls her first encounter with BJK, feeling believed in as a young player.

Sabalenka’s Dream Party Guest ([22:57])

• “I love Ilona Meyer...I would love to ask her, how does she balance, like, this fun stuff that she does on social media with, like, really hard work and just share her story.” (Sabalenka, 22:57)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Highlight | |-----------|--------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:45 | Billie Jean King | “The crowd...is packed. 24,000. They just went nuts because...the woman athletes still can't quite cut it and they killing the ball.” | | 12:02 | Aryna Sabalenka | “I'm great. You know, it feels amazing. I'm still trying to process what happened...I'm just super happy I was able to do it again.” | | 15:44 | Sabalenka | “...it took me two finals, and then I just took a little break...to finally learn the lesson. And I'm so happy that in this final, my behavior was much better.” | | 17:12 | Sabalenka | “Everything is hard if it comes to success. So I think it's important to love what you do, and then it becomes easier.” | | 19:37 | Sabalenka | “Pressure is a privilege, right?” | | 22:24 | Sabalenka | “I'm telling myself, it's okay, she's gonna bring the fight...Just go there and fight every point. And this is like, you have it constantly, like, in your head during the matches.” | | 29:41 | Billie Jean King | “I would really try to get myself in the process...just this ball, be with the ball...it's really important to be present.” |

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Episode Structure & Timestamps

• [00:00–04:52] – Warm-up banter, Labubu figurines, US Open recap, crowds and mixed doubles
• [04:53–06:47] – Honoring Stacy Allaster & tournament progress
• [06:47–10:25] – Party starter: US Open, Sabalenka’s win, Anisimova’s comeback, soccer and WNBA headlines
• [10:30–11:36] – Introduction to Sabalenka & celebratory vibes
• [11:54–20:34] – Aryna Sabalenka interview: win reflections, mental strength, learning from adversity
• [20:34–22:45] – On privilege, pressure, emotional intelligence, and relationship with oneself
• [22:45–23:32] – Sabalenka’s dream party guest and meaningful conversations
• [23:32–24:02] – BJK & Sabalenka reflect on growth, first meeting, and legacy
• [24:09–24:53] – Playful “party pose” and closing sentiments with Sabalenka
• [28:30–30:42] – Afterglow: hosts discuss Sabalenka’s positivity, BJK’s self-talk
• [30:42–32:28] – Billie Jean King reflects on the passing of her brother and family importance

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Final Reflections

The episode pulses with energy, humor, and clarity about the state and soul of women’s sports. Sabalenka illustrates the athlete's journey of resilience, the value of strong support systems, and the transformation that comes from both heartbreak and triumph. Billie Jean King’s wisdom frames the discussion: progress comes generation by generation, with gratitude for those who break the trail. The camaraderie and curiosity between the hosts and Sabalenka make for an inspiring, revealing, and undeniably fun listen.

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Listen For

• Behind-the-scenes on how champions develop emotional resilience
• Insights on pressure as privilege—across generations of women's athletes
• The power of self-talk and intentional preparation in sports and life
• The growing influence and community within women’s sports

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End of summary.

Transcript

[Irina Sabalenka]

You don't miss those emotions. Like, yeah, it's pressure. It's tough. But, like, when you. When you score, when you win, like, overcoming something, like, you miss it or.

[Abby Wambach]

No, No, I do not. Not for one second. Because I have children. I have. Teenagers.

[Billie Jean King]

Attention.

[Abby Wambach]

The party is about to commence.

[Julie Foudy]

Welcome to what's Up, Party people. We have a special US Open party served up for you today. I'm Julie Foudy.

[Abby Wambach]

And I'm Abby Wambach.

[Billie Jean King]

And I'm Billie Jean King.

[Julie Foudy]

You're actually Billie Jean Bling Kinger.

[Billie Jean King]

Hey, do you like that, huh? Do you like my Labu? Boo.

[Julie Foudy]

Oh, my gosh. I loved the Leboos from Naomi. What did you think when you saw that?

[Billie Jean King]

Oh, she. I was watching. Actually, that was on the TV part that I was watching in the suite. I'm looking at that, I'm like, oh, my God. It's got red glasses. Oh, my God, that's so cute. Oh. And then she says. They go, well, what's the name? Oh, it's named Billie Jean Bling. I'm like, oh, my God, that's so sweet. I have to have it. So anyway, I met the person who came up with this Labubu idea, and her name's Karen, and she's fantastic. I said, how did you come up with this? She says, I don't know. It's the way I create everything. She goes, it just came to my mind. I was just kind of floating and it just came to my mind. But they are. They are so sweet. And she's got. What is it? Arthur? Flash instead of Arthur.

[Abby Wambach]

Oh, that's good.

[Billie Jean King]

It's hilarious. And there's some other ones, but it's just so cute. But anyway, just listening to her and asking her. Karen's name is K. I think it's K E R I N. She was just amazing how she. I just trying to understand the creative process.

[Abby Wambach]

But, Kinger, how was the actual US Open overall?

[Billie Jean King]

Oh, my God.

[Abby Wambach]

First of all, three weeks, like, what is going on? How are you feeling?

[Julie Foudy]

You must be exhausted.

[Billie Jean King]

I am exhausted, but it's three weeks long this year.

[Irina Sabalenka]

We've all.

[Billie Jean King]

We're usually two weeks long.

[Abby Wambach]

Oh, wow.

[Billie Jean King]

So three weeks was killing everybody. The great thing is the first week, they actually had mixed doubles as a centerpiece, and it was unbelievable. Tennis and the women. Da, da, da, da, da. Played out of their minds. These guys would be slinging that ball as hard as they could right at them. They're volley it back. They're getting in it. The crowd, you know, is Packed. It was packed. 24,000. They just went nuts because they're not used to. They think the woman athletes still can't quite cut it and they killing the ball.

[Julie Foudy]

I want to know how you manage three weeks of. I imagine every time I'm with Billy, just the kinger. Like everyone wants to talk to Billy and wants a piece of you. So how do you manage that from a personal standpoint? Because it's a lot of energy you're expending. How are you standing up straight?

[Billie Jean King]

Well, I like I've told you guys before, I just. I love people and I love listening to them and I want their story. I want everyone's story. So that takes a while.

[Julie Foudy]

You're always asking. It's so cute.

[Billie Jean King]

Yeah, I do like it. I do care. But then I'm exhausted at night. I realize, God, I'm just so tired every night. But most of the time I'm okay because I know I get up every morning and get excited again and I know I don't get to play anymore. So this is the second best thing. And I love watching the players and watching their progress and just seeing how much better the sport's doing. I mean the US Open gets more and more people every year, which I love. And, and it's helping grassroots, you know, grassroots tennis. We had something for everybody this year. So, you know, and tennis is the healthiest sport. I talked to you about that earlier. So we're really trying to get kids to play just for their health. Forget how great you're gonna be, but it's just amazing. And it's a truly international sport like yours, soccer. And I think it makes a difference when so many countries are involved. I think it makes a huge difference. So I thought the tennis was extraordinary this year. I saw a lot of. I tried to see as many matches at least kind of peaking as I was doing my hospitality.

[Abby Wambach]

Billy, do they have like masseuses that can come and like work on you as you go from.

[Billie Jean King]

That's a great idea for next year.

[Julie Foudy]

She's in her suite and all of a sudden they get a tight of a sweet shot and Billy's on the table getting a massage.

[Billie Jean King]

Another thing is Stacy Alistair who is the. She's the tournament director.

[Abby Wambach]

Yes.

[Billie Jean King]

She's the first woman and it was her last year.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah.

[Billie Jean King]

And every player, every player mentioned it was great, it was a great send off, I heard. But I'm going to miss her because she really does a great job.

[Julie Foudy]

But she is awesome.

[Billie Jean King]

You got to move on. And Stacy's ready To move on. She'll still be a consultant and all that. But she used to love to play. Yeah, but what a great job she's done and how much better it's gotten. But it just continues to get better. But the players, tennis. Every generation. My parents taught me this. That's absolutely correct. Every generation gets better. And these kids hit the ball so hard. God, I'm telling you, talk about. I mean, Mary Carrillo is correct. Big Babe Tennis.

[Julie Foudy]

Big Babe. Big Babe Tennis. We are going to talk to Big Babe Tennis in a second Kinger. Abby and I are going to step away real quick to do a party starter, and then we'll catch up with you on the other side for our interview with Irina Sabalenka. Big Babe Tennis. Okay, party people, it's time to get this party started. Started, abs with the highlights and headlines you'll want to celebrate this week in women's sports. Our party starter is brought to you by Ally the Bank. That's your Ally. Let's of course start. You know where US Open our party guest today, Arena Sabalenka tops American Amanda Anisova in straight sets to defend her U.S. open title. First player since Serena Williams in 2014, by the way. Two to do that. So it's been over a decade where they've gone back to back champions. Uh, that was the fourth Grand Slam title for Sabalenka, who is, as we know, the number one player in the world. And so many good storylines. A.B. you have, of course, Sabalenka winning her fourth Grand Slam, but it was her first this year. She had lost in the Australian Open final, lost in the French Open final, and even lost to Anisimova in the Wimbledon semifinal. So you had Amanda Anisimova making her run after losing in Wimbledon in the final. Six love. Sixth love. So many good storylines.

[Abby Wambach]

I mean, the storyline was so good, y', all, that Glennon got into it and watched the final with me this weekend. I told her a little bit about, oh, our lovely little Amanda, our American Amanda on a Anisimova. She has been playing out of her mind over the last couple of years. She took this mental health break. Anyways, it was. The story was just so there. We were so into it the entire match. Cannot wait to talk to Sabalenka in a little bit. What a weekend. What an amazing US Open for her. I mean, the whole thing, it was just the best.

[Julie Foudy]

We were invested. We were very invested.

[Abby Wambach]

I really was. I, I, I literally felt like I was playing. That's how I felt. We Also want to talk a little bit about recent soccer news. Big soccer news. Transfer news. Alyssa Thompson is moving.

[Julie Foudy]

Excuse me while I just go weep in the corner, please.

[Abby Wambach]

I know. Moving on from Angel City fc, where Julie and I are obviously owners. She's joining the US Women's national team teammates Katarina Marcario and Naomi Girma. ESPN reported that Chelsea will pay Angel City an initial fee, close to $1.3 million or 1 million euro. And for the party people, we really want you to understand that this transfer fee isn't necessarily going straight to Alyssa. It is a fee from club to club. So Alyssa agrees to move there and then she herself has to negotiate her personal deal with Chelsea. This is going to be opening up much more discussion that Julie and I will have down the road. We will make full episodes about this because the nwsl, you know, we keep losing these incredible players to the WSL in England and Women's Super League.

[Julie Foudy]

Yes.

[Abby Wambach]

We have to stop the bleeding. The nwsl, in order for it to be successful, we need the best players. So this is a short headline on really what is going on in the NWSL and what's going on with Alyssa Thompson. But at the end of the day also, we're going to try to figure out how we can fix this so that we can, we can keep some of the best and brightest here in the nwsl.

[Billie Jean King]

Yeah.

[Julie Foudy]

And then finally, for our party starter, we're moving on to the WNBA playoffs. As teams used this week of the regular season to seal that spot, they are fighting to get into that final top eight. And we wanted to give a special shout out to the Golden State Valkyrie because, party people, this is, this is an expansion team, meaning their first year in the league with wnba. And this expansion team, the Valkyries, have made the playoffs. They're the first team to do that as an expansion team in their debut season. And they sold out, sold out all 22 of their home games and in their first year in the Bay Area, are leading the league in attendance in their inaugural season. And Jess Smith, who's the president of the Valkyries, is an OG of Angel City. She's our gal. So go Jess. Go Valkyries. It's so fun to see. So, abs, we need to get to that Valhalla party for sure.

[Abby Wambach]

Those games, they look nuts. And for, for Jess Smith to sell out every single one of these home games, that is a feat in and of itself. But then also to be able to actually clinch and get into the playoffs, just an incredible show of what is possible. Even if you are a very, very brand new team.

[Billie Jean King]

Valhalla.

[Abby Wambach]

Valhalla. Let's go. Let's go.

[Julie Foudy]

That is your party starter. Thanks to Ally for sponsoring this segment. And as we know, Ally is more than a bank. And their do it right approach helps customers unlock their economic potential and guide their efforts. As a leading spons in women's sports, just like us, Ally believes that when women in sports win, we all have a reason to party. Ally bank member, fdic. Pump up the music, party people. We got the US Open champion. Fresh off her win. Irina Sabalenka won her fourth yes. Grand Slam title and second consecutive US Open. On Saturday. The number one ranked player had a nice payday as well, taking home $5 million. Yes.

[Billie Jean King]

Should have been more, not enough.

[Julie Foudy]

As in two comma. Saturday, Irina showed up at her post win press conference with a bottle of champagne. She plopped on the desk, a huge smile and Moet goggles still on. So we know she is ready for this party. Bjk, do you want to do the honors of welcoming her in?

[Billie Jean King]

Welcome rock arena, our U.S. open champion.

[Irina Sabalenka]

Yay.

[Julie Foudy]

Welcome to the Pope Garden.

[Billie Jean King]

Yeah, welcome. Crazy here. We're totally crazy. Where's mine? Oh, there it is. Sounds terrible. All right.

[Irina Sabalenka]

It's amazing. Thank you. Thank you for the warm welcome, guys.

[Abby Wambach]

How are you doing after the big win?

[Irina Sabalenka]

I'm great. You know, it feels amazing. I'm still trying to process what happened. A lot of media, a lot of fun stuff right now, and I'm just super happy I was able to do it again.

[Billie Jean King]

What I love about you is that when you come out to play, you bring all of yourself. I mean, every particle of your being you bring. I would like to know how you get ready every time and every day for that, for every match.

[Irina Sabalenka]

I don't know. I just love what I do. And I think when you love your job, you. You bring everything you have and you're, you're there, you're competing, you're. You're just being you, you know, And I think, I think that's why. And I think it's important to be you to bring everything you have on court to be able to be successful in your. In your job.

[Billie Jean King]

Well, Mary Carrillo would call you big babe. Tennis is the way you play. Big babe, meaning you really hit the. You know what out of it. Would you say that's accurate, that you give it. I mean, you hit the ball really, really, really hard on almost every shot, except when it kind of hits the little short one. But otherwise, I mean, I'm a Strong girl, you know?

[Irina Sabalenka]

I mean, I feel like every time, like, when I'm adopting my decisions and I'm, like, stopping my arms, then it's even worse. So I feel like I have to just go for it and trust my instincts, and I gotta work on the touch. You're right.

[Julie Foudy]

Irina, when we were watching you play, I mean, you seemed, to Billy's point, you seem so steady. And Abby and I were commenting after because we're part of a team sport. And, you know, like, for example, for me, I was never the star of the team, so I had, like, Abby to turn to. So it wasn't like all the pressure on your shoulders as a teammate because you had an Abby or a Mia Hamm. But I was stressed for you all because it's just you in that moment with all that crowd, and yet you just, like, stayed so dang steady. How do you do that?

[Irina Sabalenka]

I have a huge team behind me. You know, I wasn't there long. I had a box full of people who supports me, who's there for me no matter what. So every time I was struggling, I would just look in my box.

[Billie Jean King]

So.

[Irina Sabalenka]

And it would just help me to, you know, to stay calm. I mean. And also, I had really tough lessons earlier this season where I completely lost control over my emotions, so I didn't want that to happen again. And I think that's really helped me to stay in control, you know.

[Julie Foudy]

You're talking about the Australian and the French final.

[Irina Sabalenka]

Yeah.

[Julie Foudy]

In terms of the mental shift. I've heard you talk about this before. What was it that. Unpack that a little bit. What was it that you said I need to. I need to be better at?

[Irina Sabalenka]

Well, yeah, you know, I wanted it badly. Those two finals. I wanted to win it badly. And, you know, I felt like during the tournament, everything was just, like, coming together. And I thought in my head that, you know, like, I don't, like, I have it, you know, like, I'm gonna go out there, I'm gonna get another trophy. And then I went in the final, and it seemed for me that I did expect. Expect kind of like them fighting back. And I thought that the match gonna be easier. And so I wasn't ready to fight. I mean, which is, like, crazy to say. I wasn't ready for a fight. I wasn't ready for the. For. For another player to bring the fight. And I think that's why I was, like, losing myself, because, like, I wanted it to be, like, easier. And every time I would miss or the player would make a winner, I Would just go completely crazy in my head. And that was the main mistake I made. And, you know, it took me two finals, and then I just took a little break. I, you know, like, I needed to sit back to look at everything as a bigger picture and to finally learn the lesson. And I'm so happy that in this final, my behavior was much better. Like, I was in control.

[Julie Foudy]

You could tell. I was like.

[Abby Wambach]

You could tell. I mean, watching the high highs and the moments and, like, we're in the third. We're, we're. I'm just feeling so stressed thinking about it because, like, there was a moment where it could have gone into a tiebreaker set or whatever you call it, tennis. What do you guys call it? Is that a tiebreaker?

[Billie Jean King]

She won six, four, seven, six over. And Amanda.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah. And almost went to a third set.

[Abby Wambach]

Third set.

[Billie Jean King]

Third set. That's what you're thinking?

[Irina Sabalenka]

I was ready for that, and, and I think that's why I was able to close it, because I was ready for a fight. Like, wouldn't bother me playing the third set.

[Abby Wambach]

Okay, that's good. You have to settle a debate, an ongoing debate that Julie and I have. Like, you may or may not know, we both played professional soccer for the United States, and we want to know if you think being a professional athlete is actually hard and why or why not?

[Irina Sabalenka]

Well, I think to be on the high level in any sport, like, being an athlete, it's hard, of course, but I feel like every industry has, like, some good and bad stuff, you know, like, and I think being an athlete is tough because of the schedule, because of the hard work we're putting, like, physically and mentally, it's definitely tough. But, you know, you have to love your job. I mean, I feel like to be successful in any industry, it's not easy. It's not easy. Like, everything is hard if it comes to success. So I think it's important to love what you do, and then it becomes easier.

[Julie Foudy]

I think I lost that one.

[Abby Wambach]

Abby, having this debate, it is hard to me. And Julie's having a debate on this. Yeah, we've been having a debate about this for sure.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah, I, I. So, Abby, give your side of it. I think arena, you fell into team Abby. Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

I mean, I think there's so many different reasons why I think it was hard. It was physically demanding for me, the travel and whatnot, but the pressure and, like, the responsibility of scoring goals for my country and my team to win games, there was just, like, a heavy weight. And to be kind of a fan Face of a. A game, a. A. A sport is also a heavy burden to carry. So when I. Since I've retired, it's been quite lovely. It's been the best. I've had the best retirement ever. And Julie, she came and grew up in a different time.

[Irina Sabalenka]

You don't miss those emotions, like, yeah, it's pressure. It's tough. But, like, when you. When you score, when you win, like, overcoming something, like, you miss it or.

[Abby Wambach]

No, no, I do not. Not for one second, because I have children, I have teenagers. And so that bring. That makes you bring an entire parts of yourself that you didn't get to explore back then. So. Yes, yes, yes. I miss playing in some ways, but not the stress, not the difficulty of it. I miss the people more than anything.

[Julie Foudy]

King or. Where do you fall on this?

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah, Pro Spart's hard for you. Kinger.

[Billie Jean King]

First of all, I think different generations have to deal with different things, but I loved. Well, first of all, we were amateurs, so we changed it to be a parole. So for me, everything is such a privilege. I mean, I just so excited.

[Irina Sabalenka]

Each is the privilege, right?

[Billie Jean King]

Yeah. I have my pressure is the privilege shirt on today? No, but it's like, it was such an honor. It was just so, so great that each time we went up a level, like no money to receiving money to getting more media, all these things. So we, you know, it depends what generation you're coming from, because it's very different from mine to yours and to arenas. I mean, it's just different.

[Irina Sabalenka]

No, but we're lucky. We're lucky because of you. You fought for us. You. Yeah, you did a huge change for us. So we.

[Billie Jean King]

Well, thank you. I appreciate it for that, but I would love to be playing today because we're truly professionals, and I know what it felt like not to be. So I would love to be playing. It would be such a privilege. Oh, my God. I just love playing tennis. I love hitting the ball. Love it, love it, love it.

[Julie Foudy]

Okay, so it's. I'm just keeping score. Irina is Team Abby and Billie Jean is Team Julie.

[Irina Sabalenka]

I'm half and half because I think.

[Julie Foudy]

That you were kind of halfway and half.

[Irina Sabalenka]

That's true, you know.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah, I know you were half and half because you said yes, but.

[Irina Sabalenka]

But, you know, I always said it's amazing, like, when you overcome these things and you're able to achieve something big, like, this is the moment. I think this is you. You'll never experience somewhere, somewhere else in life, I think these emotions. Right? Like, And I think. Yeah, When I retire, I'll miss it.

[Billie Jean King]

I think you always have to remember relationships are everything. So I noticed Abby did say she misses the people, and that's. Everything is relationship, but also relationship with yourself is really important. And I think that's what you were talking about, the reason you're winning now more than you used to be.

[Irina Sabalenka]

Yeah, I think it's important to understand yourself. And I'm, like, constantly having conversation in my head with myself, like, trying to, you know, encourage myself or, you know, or, like, slow down myself or make sure that I'm not losing my control over emotions. So it's like constant conversation, and, like, you're learning. You're learning about yourself, and that's how you get better, I think. And that's what actually helped me. You write, like, to. To keep winning is. Is to be in control, but to be in control, you have to kind of, like, understand yourself, and you do that through tough lessons sometimes.

[Julie Foudy]

Can you. Can you, like, share what one of those conversations are like in your head? Because as they go to those one shots on you guys after a point, whether it's good or bad, I see you all talking to yourselves, and I'm like, what are they saying?

[Irina Sabalenka]

Like, during the march? I'm just like. I'm telling myself, it's okay, she's gonna bring the fight. She's gonna try. Of course. It's. I mean, it's a big, big moment. So you just. You just try better in the next one. You got it. You're strong enough. Just go there and fight every point. And this is like, you have it constantly, like, in your head during the matches.

[Abby Wambach]

Irina, we have one final question for you. Who would be the person you would want to invite to this party? And if we had them on this show, what question would you ask them?

[Irina Sabalenka]

You know, I love, you know, Ilona Meyer. The.

[Billie Jean King]

Yes.

[Irina Sabalenka]

I love her, and I mean, I think she's so fun, and I think we've got, like, similar personalities. So I would love to see her, and I would love to ask her. I don't know. I don't know. I. I would ask her, how does she balance, like, this fun stuff that she does on social media with, like, really hard work and just share her story. I would love to hear that.

[Abby Wambach]

Awesome.

[Julie Foudy]

That's a great one.

[Billie Jean King]

I am so happy for you. Thank you. I've watched you since you were very young, and so I just seen the progress and the emotional growth.

[Irina Sabalenka]

I remember our first conversation.

[Billie Jean King]

You do?

[Irina Sabalenka]

I was in Indian Wells. Indian Wells on the second stadium. Yeah. You stopped by and we chat a little bit. It was very nice and was big moment for me. I don't remember how many we talked about.

[Billie Jean King]

I don't. But I remember seeing you and talking with you.

[Irina Sabalenka]

That you believe in me and that I have to keep.

[Billie Jean King]

Yeah, I do.

[Abby Wambach]

Oh, that's amazing. And look at us now. Yeah, look at all of us now. We've just won the US Open together.

[Julie Foudy]

We all won.

[Billie Jean King]

Anyway, I just want to congratulate you. I'm. We're just, all of us are so happy for you. And thank you. Continued good luck, good health, and keep having fun.

[Irina Sabalenka]

Thank you so much. Thank you for having me.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah, you're the absolute best way to go.

[Irina Sabalenka]

You're the best.

[Abby Wambach]

Congratulations.

[Julie Foudy]

Okay, we're gonna do final. Final part.

[Abby Wambach]

Oh, yeah, we're gonna do a party pose.

[Irina Sabalenka]

Oh, you're best do a pose and.

[Abby Wambach]

It'Ll be like a frame phrase. Freeze frame.

[Billie Jean King]

I'm not ready for this arena can do it.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah.

[Julie Foudy]

Ready. No. Billy, you're in. Everyone's in. 3, 2, 1.

[Irina Sabalenka]

Thank you so much.

[Julie Foudy]

You are always welcome to the party.

[Billie Jean King]

Thank you.

[Irina Sabalenka]

Have a good day, everyone.

[Abby Wambach]

All we really want, truly, all we dream about and think about is comfortable clothes. Right, Julie? I don't think people understand that. And at the end of the day, that's kind of priority number one for me.

[Julie Foudy]

It's kind of the only priority. Priority number one through 1000.

[Abby Wambach]

Looking cute too, but like, it's great, but it's not really the, like, the comfy clothes that I have for me is. It's the most important thing in my day to day rotation.

[Julie Foudy]

Okay. Do you have their vuories Dream knit performance jogger? Yes, because I have it in like seven different colors. And where do I even begin? Because one, it's lightweight, one you can wear to yoga. You could wear it running. You could wear it to beach volleyball. Yes, I play a lot of that.

[Billie Jean King]

Right.

[Julie Foudy]

The fabric. I know. You're a fabric gal.

[Abby Wambach]

Yes.

[Julie Foudy]

Abs feels like butter. And so, I mean. And then I end up what I just end up doing because I think showering is overrated. You just stay in it all day. You stay in it all day and you. It could even be your pajamas.

[Billie Jean King]

It's that soft.

[Abby Wambach]

I think that that's hilarious. I usually shower and then get into another pair of Yori sweats. So that's like. That's my Emma.

[Julie Foudy]

I don't. I don't. All right.

[Abby Wambach]

But Vuori is an investment in your happiness for sure. And for our listeners, they are offering 20% off your first purchase, get yourself some of the most comfortable and versatile clothing on the [e-mail] welcome to the party. That's V U-O-R-I.com welcome to the party. Exclusions apply. Visit the website for full terms and conditions.

[Julie Foudy]

Not only will you receive 20% off your first purchase, but you get free shipping on any US orders over $75. And I like this because maybe it doesn't work out in the first go. You get free returns. So go to vuori.com welcome to the party and discover the versatility of Vuori. Clothing exclusions apply. Visit the website for full terms and conditions.

[Abby Wambach]

Here's my question for you party people. Who's your coach? Who's your strategy support person who's always looking out for your best interest? And I was so lucky along the way to have the coaches I did, the mentors that I had and now you might not be an athlete, but you still deserve a coach who can help you set your goals and navigate your journey and reflect on wins. That can also help you pivot when you need to. Fortunately, our sponsor Strawberry Me has made high quality career coaching accessible for everyone. And when you sign up for Strawberry Me, they'll match you with a certified career coach who helps you go from where you are to where you truly want to be. Your coach will help you get clear on your goals and uncover what's holding you back and build lasting confidence. That means actually making a plan. It means no longer feeling like your future is something that just happens to you. It's time to shape it on your terms. If you're ready to get unstuck, visit Strawberry Me. Welcome to the party. To claim a special offer and get started today. That's Strawberry Me. Welcome to the party. Stop settling. Start building the career and the life you actually want.

[Julie Foudy]

Oh, that was fun. I liked her. I'm so glad we all were us open with her today. Thank you Abby for pointing that out. We're all champions.

[Abby Wambach]

We did. We all wonder and one I think the thing that, that that surprises me the most is because she's such like you could tell that she's so intense when she's playing. She's as sweet as can be.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah.

[Abby Wambach]

Not she's very sweet person inside the lines like love that about her.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah.

[Billie Jean King]

But she's very sensitive. You know she's aware of a lot of things going on and I think I was, I really loved her interview because that she talked about her self talk to get through a match which I think is always important. And it was positive. And she's learned. You can just tell she keeps growing from these experiences and how she. What she tells herself during the match. And she's really fun, too. And she's always fun off the court, too. People know that. I think they. They hear about it, but now they got to see it with her talking.

[Julie Foudy]

She's got some TikTok dance moves, Kinger.

[Billie Jean King]

Oh, she's. Oh, yeah, she likes to dance. She likes. She's got a lot of energy. Physical and emotional energy.

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah. Question for you. What was your self talk? What did you say to yourself in those moments on the court?

[Billie Jean King]

Oh, you don't want to know. Sometimes I do.

[Julie Foudy]

Yes, I do.

[Billie Jean King]

I was so bad, you guys. I was just so tired all the time and trying to. Because we were fighting on the court, off the court to change things. And when I was on the court, I knew I'm very good at compartmentalizing. I can do that very quickly, thank God. And I would really, really try to get myself in the process, like, all right, one ball at a time. Just this ball, be with the ball. And it's really important, I think, in anything to be present and to be in the now and whatever you do. But as a jock, as an athlete, you better. Or else I think it falls apart when you're thinking in the future or the past and getting upset with yourself, oh, I made a double fold. Or I did this, or I'm sure you guys have your own stories. You can't do that. You gotta get in the now in the present. Let's go. Give me the ball. And accept responsibility.

[Julie Foudy]

Give me the ball.

[Abby Wambach]

So good.

[Billie Jean King]

Give me the ball. Give me the ball. Pressure is a privilege. Gosh darn it, I love it. I like pressure.

[Abby Wambach]

Before we close out this show, we know you had a recent loss in your family. Your brother, Randy Moffat, recently passed away. And we know he had a tremendous impact on your life. Do you want to share anything with us about that?

[Billie Jean King]

Well, he is my baby brother. He's almost five years younger. So Randy was Randall James Moffat is his name. And I always wanted a baby sister brother. And so when Randy came along, I was so happy. And we played ball. We both loved to play ball. We just would play catch, football, basketball. We'd run together. We had so much fun. And when he played professional baseball, he played for about 12 years and we didn't get to see each other very much. That's the part I didn't like. But we always stayed in touch. And I think he was four times in the top 10 in the national League in saves. He was a relief pitcher, good slider. But he and I always made time for each other. We always talked. And if I can say just one thing to everyone listening to us is that whatever you do, don't have any regrets. And I really made an effort to see Randy when he wasn't feeling as good and got dementia. You know, I think it was vascular dementia because he had heart challenges. And we just had such a good time, but we made such an effort, I particularly did near the end, to be with him no matter what. And I just hope everybody out there make an effort now while people in your life are alive. Don't wait. Just don't wait. Anyway, I have no regrets because of that. But he was a great baby brother. I shouldn't say baby, but he was. He's always going to be my baby.

[Julie Foudy]

He's always going to be the baby, right?

[Billie Jean King]

Yeah. He was a great guy.

[Julie Foudy]

We're just in a big hug. I'm giving it to you, thankfully, right now, Kinger.

[Billie Jean King]

Thank you. Go home and hug your kids. Right?

[Julie Foudy]

Yeah. And so well said.

[Billie Jean King]

And your loved ones.

[Julie Foudy]

Yep. Tell them how much you love them. All right, party people, we love you as well. Don't forget to subscribe to the welcome to the party YouTube channel and click that little bell icon so it tells you when you're going to get updates and when episodes go live. If you would.

[Abby Wambach]

Yeah. And if you can take one minute, we would really appreciate it. If you can rate, leave a comment and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. And be sure to follow us on Tick Tock and Instagram at welcome to the Party show where Julie, Billy and I will bring the party straight to your feed. You guys want to bring it in and do a cheer?

[Julie Foudy]

Bring it in, Bring it in.

[Abby Wambach]

Bring it in. Bring it in, party people.

[Billie Jean King]

Welcome to the park.

[Abby Wambach]

We love you. This one's on you.

[Julie Foudy]

Oh.

[Billie Jean King]

Right, you guys love your.

[Julie Foudy]

On three.

[Billie Jean King]

One, two, three.

[Abby Wambach]

Welcome to the Party is an independent production brought to you by Treat Media. Treat Media makes art for humans who want to stay human forever. Dog is our production partner and you can watch our full conversations on the welcome to the party YouTube channel and follow us at welcome to the Party show on Instagram and TikTok.