Aryna Sabalenka captured her first US Open title and third Grand Slam crown with a powerful 7-5, 7-5 victory over Jessica Pegula in a thrilling final on Saturday, September 7, 2024. The 26-year-old Belarusian, known for her ferocious groundstrokes, made history by becoming the first woman since Angelique Kerber in 2016 to win both hardcourt majors in a single season, having also triumphed at the Australian Open earlier in the year.
Sabalenka’s victory did not come easily. Despite her dominant start, where she quickly built leads in both sets, Pegula, the home favorite, mounted strong comebacks. In the second set, Pegula clawed her way back from 0-3 and held a 5-3 lead, but Sabalenka, known for her mental resilience, regained control, winning the final four games to seal the title. The match saw Sabalenka fire 40 winners, showcasing her aggressive style of play, while Pegula displayed her trademark tenacity and tactical brilliance, though she ultimately fell short of her first major title.
The victory was particularly significant for Sabalenka, who had been the runner-up at the US Open in 2023 after losing to another American, Coco Gauff. Reflecting on her journey, Sabalenka shared her gratitude and persistence: “I remember all those tough losses here, and it’s going to sound easy, but never give up on your dream. Just keep trying, keep working hard.”
Pegula, ranked No. 3 in the world and coming off a successful North American hardcourt swing with 15 wins in her last 16 matches, was gracious in defeat. “I wish she would have at least let me get one set,” Pegula said with a smile. “She’s one of the best in the world, super powerful and isn’t going to give you anything.”
This win cements Sabalenka’s status as the dominant force in women’s tennis in 2024. She now holds three Grand Slam titles in total and has emerged as the sport’s most consistent player over the past two years. In addition to her Grand Slam success, Sabalenka won the Cincinnati Open in August, affirming her dominance on hard courts. Though an injury disrupted her run at Roland Garros and kept her out of Wimbledon, her performances this year solidify her as the player to beat heading into 2025.
The final, played in front of a star-studded crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, including athletes like Steph Curry and Lewis Hamilton, was a testament to Sabalenka’s evolution from a player with raw power and volatility into one with greater mental fortitude and poise. At just 26, she has proven that she can handle the pressure of big moments and is poised for more success in the future.
For Pegula, this tournament marked a breakthrough as she reached her first major final at the age of 30. While she came up short, her performance showed that she is still a major threat on the world stage.
Image Credit : Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
