Sabalenka Triumphs Over Pegula in U.S. Open Final

US OPEN – In a thrilling showdown at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka claimed her third Grand Slam singles title, defeating America’s Jessica Pegula in straight sets (7-5, 7-5) to win the U.S. Open on Saturday. This victory marked a significant moment for Sabalenka, who has secured three major titles within the past 20 months, following her Australian Open wins in 2023 and earlier this year.

Sabalenka’s win capped off a challenging year, bringing joy and validation to her tumultuous 2024 season. She lifted the Tiffany-designed trophy, handed to her by tennis legend Billie Jean King, symbolizing a hard-fought journey to the top. Reflecting on her victory, Sabalenka shared her pride in overcoming adversity, saying, “If you’re working hard and sacrificing everything for your dream, you’re going to get it one day.” 

This match represented Pegula’s first appearance in a Grand Slam final. The Buffalo, New York, American finalist fell short of winning the title. Although she expressed gratitude for her journey to the finals, saying, “To be able to be standing here in my first Grand Slam final, I’m grateful.”

Sabalenka’s triumph wasn’t just a personal victory—it also denied Pegula what could have been her maiden Grand Slam title. Pegula fought bravely, even staging a comeback in the second set when she briefly led 5-3 after being down 3-0. However, Sabalenka’s powerful groundstrokes, formidable serves, and relentless pace ultimately secured her the championship. With a blistering 118 mph serve and a series of critical points, Sabalenka clinched the victory.

Despite the final scoreline, the match was closely contested, with both players trading breaks and testing each other’s resilience. Sabalenka acknowledged Pegula’s determination: “You’re showing some amazing tennis.” 

Pegula, 30, whose family owns the Buffalo Bills and Sabres, became a fan favorite during the tournament. Despite her family’s vast wealth, she even opted to take the subway to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. Pegula reached the final after an impressive semifinal win over Czech player Karolina Muchova.

Sabalenka’s journey to the U.S. Open title came amid a season marked by injuries and personal challenges. Due to Belarus’ political stance, she competed without a national flag, a reminder of the complex realities surrounding her on-court success. Nonetheless, Sabalenka’s victory solidified her standing as one of the world’s top tennis players, ending her season on a high note. 

Sabalenka and Pegula have proven their resilience as the tennis world looks ahead. Sabalenka’s words testify to the relentless pursuit of excellence: “Finally, I got this beautiful trophy.” 

Sources: AP, ESPN