7th September, 2024
Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka triumphed over American Jessica Pegula with a 7-5, 7-5 victory on Saturday to claim the US Open title.
This marks Sabalenka’s third Grand Slam singles title and her first at Flushing Meadows, following her Australian Open win earlier this year.
Sabalenka, ranked world number two, redeemed herself after last year’s final loss to Coco Gauff.
With this victory, she extends her dominance on hard courts, remaining unbeaten in her last 14 matches on the surface in major tournaments.
For Pegula, this was her first appearance in a Grand Slam singles final. Despite her valiant effort, the 30-year-old sixth seed was unable to overcome the powerful Sabalenka, who proved too strong in key moments.
The win places Sabalenka in elite company, making her only the fifth player in the Open era to win two Grand Slam titles on hard courts in the same season. She joins tennis legends Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, Martina Hingis, and Angelique Kerber in achieving this feat.
After her victory, the 26-year-old ran to her player’s box to celebrate with her team, playfully slapping the head of her strength and conditioning coach, Jason Stacy, who sported a replica of Sabalenka’s tiger tattoo.
Despite the loss, Pegula was buoyed by a supportive crowd in Arthur Ashe Stadium and nearly pushed the match to a third set with a late surge in the second.
Former British number one Annabel Croft, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, praised Pegula’s performance, noting, “She gave this crowd their money’s worth. The right player got the title in the end, but my goodness, she had to work hard for it.”
With this victory, Sabalenka solidifies her place as one of the top players in the world, continuing her incredible form in 2024.
Meanwhile, Pegula’s wait for her first major title continues, though her breakthrough into a Grand Slam final hints at future potential.
