Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka triumphed over American Jessica Pegula to secure the 2024 US Open women’s title on Saturday at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
This victory marks Sabalenka’s third Grand Slam title, adding to her Australian Open wins from the previous two seasons.
Sabalenka won the match in straight sets, 7-5, 7-5, displaying resilience to prevent a comeback from Pegula. The world No. 2 closed out the first set with a delicate backhand drop shot that Pegula could not return. The 26-year-old fought off Pegula’s challenge in the second set to claim the trophy.
With this victory, Sabalenka became the first woman to reach consecutive US Open finals since Serena Williams in 2018 and 2019, after finishing runner-up in 2023 to Coco Gauff.
After the win, Sabalenka expressed her emotions, saying, “I’m speechless. So many times I was so close, and it’s always been a dream of mine.”
She also praised Pegula, predicting that she would eventually win a Grand Slam.
Pegula, reflecting on her performance, complimented Sabalenka’s play and acknowledged the challenge, saying, “I wish she would have let me get one set.”
With the victory, Sabalenka is set to receive a $3.6 million winner’s check.
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