Aryna Sabalenka finally closed her Grand Slam title hunt with a tremendous end. Sabalenka, the world number 2, defeated American Jessica Pegula in straight sets, 7-5, 7-5, to capture the US Open championship in New York City on Saturday. Sabalenka’s triumph at the Arthur Ashe Stadium marked her third Grand Slam title throughout her career and her first title at the US Open.
The 26-year-old Sabalenka won a trio of major tournaments in the past 20 months. She had won the Australian Open titles back-to-back in 2023 and this year. Her US Open win completes the record to be the first woman to sweep the hard court grand slams since Angelique Kerber in 2016.
Sabalenka Managed to Steal the Crowd
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Going up against an American player in a late-stage match at the US Open is always challenging. Sabalenka knows it too well. Last year, she had the same hard time against the American star Coco Gauff and lost the battle. But this time, she had learned how to deal with the raucous crowd and tried to stay focused to win the game.
With a tight-tense first set, Sabalenka could turn the tables after having a tie at 5-5 and win that set. She had the turning point even after having an emotional burst after an untimely double fault during that 5-5 first-set game. She slammed her racket four times but then broke Jessica Pegula’s serve to finish out the set.
She led 3-0 at the second set, but Pegula went on to win the next five games to give the American a 5-3 second set lead. Sabalenka would not give Pegula a chance to force a third set by winning the next four games to clinch the title. Sabalenka closed the game with her nasty forehand winner – a great topspin forehand that is faster than some of the world’s top men’s players. She managed to steal the crowd’s support and made them stand up for her.
The Sweet Victory for Sabalenka
Sabalenka previously had a difficult stretch in 2024 when she struggled with injury and personal loss. In March, her ex-boyfriend died by suicide in Miami Beach. She stated that she was heartbroken because of this great loss. She also had health issues that led her to end her journey at two previous major tournaments after she won the Australian Open this year.
Her performance at the French Open ended due to a stomach bug. A shoulder injury prevented her from competing at Wimbledon. But those health and mental issues seemed to be gone when Sabalenka played in Saturday’s final. She displayed all the qualities that made her become the best player on the planet and finally succeeded in hoisting the Tiffany Design Cup with pure pride and joy.
The Long Wait Finally Paid Off
After winning the championship point, Sabalenka fell to the court, overcome with emotion. This was the second year in a row Sabalenka reached the US Open final. Last year, she lost to Coco Gauff. It was a very heartbreaking loss for her at that time. Sabalenka returned to the gym and took her frustration out on her racket. She withdrew it from her holdall before repeatedly smashing it against the floor.
Sabalenka admitted that the crowd affected her so much in the 2023 final. Having the same opponent this time – American star – Sabalenka felt a very different emotion this time. She stated that the crowd was more supportive. She also had heartbreaking losses in 2021 and 2022 in the semifinals. Finally, Sabalenka got the trophy to close her hard season this year.
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