Aryna Sabalenka's US Open win sees her join an elite list lacking Serena Williams
09/07/2024 07:25 PM
Aryna Sabalenka’s long wait for a US Open title is over, as the runner-up in the last two years at Flushing Meadows finally got over the winning line in New York.
The Belarusian suffered one of her darkest days when she lost last year's final to Coco Gauff.
She threatened a repeat of that wobble with some nervy moments, but this was her time, beating Jessica Pegula 7-5 7-5.
It is her second major title of the year, following victory in Australia, and third in total as she proved herself to be the best hard-court player in the world, with few able to match her power in these conditions.
Defeat broke the heart of Pegula, who dreamed of winning a maiden Grand Slam title in front of an American crowd in the New York state she was born.
Yet the reuslt was a moment of redemption for Sabalenka, who could not hide her joy in an emotional on court interviews.
“I'm speechless right now, because so many times I was so close to getting the US Open title.
“It's a dream of mine, and finally I've got this beautiful trophy.
“It's been a really difficult couple of weeks. Jessica played some amazing tennis and I'm more than sure that one day you're going to get one Grand Slam, maybe more! Congratulations on a great summer.
“That second set, I was literally praying to get this win. It means a lot.
“I remember all those tough losses in the past here. I'm just super proud of myself, and I never say that, but I am. I'm super proud of myself and my team.
“No matter what situations we faced this season and in the past, we were able to go through it and get these beautiful trophies.”
US Open News
How much money did Aryna Sabalenka collect as she won her first US Open title?
The win sees Sabalenka join an exclusive list of legends who have claimed two hard court titles in the same season at the Australian Open and the US Open.
Sabalenka is the fifth player in the Open Era to win two Women's Singles Grand Slam titles on hard court in the same season after Steffi Graf (1988 and 1989), Monica Seles (1991 and 1992), Martina Hingis (1997) and Angelique Kerber (2016).
It was an agonising occasion for Pegula, who threatened to storm back into the match during a thrilling second set.
Yet she was content with her performances in the US hard court swing, which included a win in the WTA 1000 event in Toronto.
“It's been an incredible month for me really. I had a rough start to the year but was really able to turn it around.
“To be able to be standing here in my first Grand Slam final, I didn't expect it and I'm just so grateful and didn't expect it.
“I wish she would have at least let me get one set! She’s super powerful and the best hard court player in the world.
“I fought back and gave myself a chance, but it wasn’t enough.”
Pegula gets the consolation of rising to a new career high of No 3 in the WTA Rankings, with Sabalenka now eyeing up a challenge to world No 1 Iga Sabalenka after her dominant performances in New York.
The post Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open win sees her join an elite list lacking Serena Williams appeared first on Tennis365.
