Aryna Sabalenka bounced back from the disappointment of last year’s runner-up finish to claim the coveted US Open championship, defeating local favorite Jessica Pegula in a thrilling encounter at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Having missed out on the title to Coco Gauff twelve months prior, Sabalenka redeemed herself with a dramatic 7-5, 7-5 win over Pegula on Saturday.
The Belarusian displayed her resilience after facing some tense moments reminiscent of her previous defeat, ultimately seizing the moment to secure the victory. This success marks her second Grand Slam triumph of the year, following her earlier win in Australia, and her third overall, establishing her as the premier hard-court player in the world, with few able to rival her dominance in such conditions.
The defeat was a bitter blow for the 30-year-old Pegula, whose father, a prominent business figure, owns the NFL team Buffalo Bills, as she continues to strive for success on the grandest stages.
Despite the closure of the Ashe stadium roof due to heavy rain, Sabalenka appeared to be firmly in control, notching five consecutive games to claim the first set and advancing to a 3-0 lead in the second, much to the delight of the star-studded audience. However, the native New Yorker, Pegula, mounted a spirited comeback, winning five games in a row.
As Sabalenka faced the prospect of history repeating itself, she demonstrated remarkable composure. A crucial break at 5-4 rescued her from a decider, followed by an even more significant hold to move within a game of victory.
Suddenly, Pegula found herself serving to stay in the match, but Sabalenka was resolute, initiating a three-game surge that sealed her triumph in style. As the final point unfolded, Sabalenka collapsed to the court, dropping her racket and covering her face with both arms while lying on her back, before embracing a joyous celebration with her team and exuberant fans in the stands.
Currently, in the WTA rankings, Sabalenka trails world No. 1 Iga Swiatek by 2169 points, as Swiatek defends 2600 points until the end of 2024.
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