Aryna Sabalenka triumphs at U.S. open, claims long-awaited title
Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka finally secured her first U.S. Open title on Saturday, defeating American sixth seed Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in a thrilling women’s final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Sabalenka’s victory marks a significant milestone after several near misses, including a runner-up finish last year and two prior semi-final appearances. On a rain-affected day with the stadium roof closed, Sabalenka displayed remarkable resilience and skill, overcoming Pegula’s strong challenge and the raucous support for the hometown favorite.
“I’ve come so close to winning the U.S. Open before, and now I’ve finally achieved it,” said Sabalenka, who had to battle back from a breakdown in both sets. Her emotional collapse onto the court in celebration underscored the significance of her triumph.
Pegula, 30, reached her first major final after a strong summer performance, including a victory in Toronto. Despite the fervent crowd support, she struggled to match Sabalenka’s intensity and power. “I’m really grateful for the past few weeks of tennis,” Pegula said, acknowledging her unexpected run to the final.
The match was played under a closed roof due to heavy rain, and both players exchanged breaks early on. Sabalenka’s pivotal moment came in the 12th game of the first set, where she held her serve through a grueling 11th game and broke Pegula on her fifth set point.
Pegula faced equipment issues throughout the match, with complaints about her racket tension affecting her performance. After falling behind 3-0 in the second set, she mounted a fierce comeback, winning five consecutive games to draw level. However, Sabalenka’s relentless pressure proved too much, and she clinched the match with a crucial break in the final game.
“I didn’t expect her to come back with such a high level after I led 3-love,” Sabalenka admitted. “Holding my serve when I was down 5-3 gave me the belief I needed to close out the match.”
Tears flowed as Sabalenka celebrated her third Grand Slam title, adding to her Australian Open victories. She ran up into the stands to share her joy with her team and fans, reflecting on past disappointments and the importance of perseverance.
Sabalenka’s performance in New York was particularly sweet after an injury-plagued season that saw her miss Wimbledon and the Paris Games. “I’m super proud of myself and my team for overcoming the challenges we faced this season,” she said.
The victory was a testament to Sabalenka’s resilience and determination, culminating in a momentous win at Flushing Meadows.
