In an intense and gripping final, Aryna Sabalenka claimed her first US Open title, defeating Jessica Pegula in a thrilling 7-5, 7-5 match. This victory not only marked Sabalenka’s redemption from the heartache of her 2023 US Open final loss to Coco Gauff, but also secured her third Grand Slam singles title, further solidifying her status as one of the most formidable players in women’s tennis.

A Journey of Redemption for Sabalenka

Sabalenka’s victory is a significant milestone in her career, particularly after last year’s crushing defeat at Flushing Meadows. The Belarusian had been visibly devastated, smashing her racquet in the locker room following her loss to Gauff. However, a year later, Sabalenka returned stronger, more determined, and ultimately triumphant. After sealing her win against Pegula, the second seed dropped to the court in sheer elation, relishing the moment she had worked so hard for.

Her win at the US Open is a testament to her resilience, adding to the Australian Open title she successfully defended earlier this year. It continues her dominance on hard courts, extending her unbeaten run at major tournaments on the surface to an impressive 14 matches.

Sabalenka’s Post-Match Emotions: “I’m Speechless”

Overcome with joy, Sabalenka expressed her disbelief at the achievement. “I’m speechless right now. It’s always been a dream of mine, and finally, I got this beautiful trophy,” she said. After her victory, the 26-year-old rushed to her player’s box to embrace her team, sharing a lighthearted moment with her strength and conditioning coach Jason Stacy, playfully slapping him on the head where he had a replica of her tiger tattoo printed.

Sabalenka also took the opportunity to reflect on the hard work and sacrifices that led her to this moment. “If you’re really working hard, sacrificing everything for your dream, you’re going to get it one day,” she added. “I’m super proud of myself. I never say that, but I’m super proud of myself and my team. No matter what, we were able to go through it and get all those beautiful trophies.”

Pegula’s Fight in Her First Grand Slam Final

For Jessica Pegula, the sixth seed, this match represented her first-ever Grand Slam singles final, and she had the full support of the partisan New York crowd behind her. Pegula, a 30-year-old American, has steadily risen in the tennis ranks, but despite her best efforts, her wait for a major title continues.

Despite the pressure of her first final and facing a seasoned Grand Slam champion, Pegula put up a strong fight. She played with determination, especially during a late surge in the second set, when she broke Sabalenka twice and held a 5-3 lead. However, Sabalenka’s unrelenting power and composure under pressure saw her fight back to close out the match after one hour and 53 minutes on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court.

The Battle for Control: Sabalenka Holds Her Nerve

The final between Sabalenka and Pegula was a showdown between two of the most in-form players in women’s tennis, each having claimed victories in WTA 1,000 tournaments in the lead-up to the US Open. Pegula started the match confidently, surprising Sabalenka with an early break and taking the lead in the opening set. However, Sabalenka, renowned for her aggressive and powerful game, immediately broke back and went on to dominate the next three games.

Despite faltering slightly when trying to serve out the first set, Sabalenka managed to recover. The crowd, fully behind Pegula, roared as the American found her rhythm again, leveling the match at 5-5. Both players grew increasingly frustrated, with each hitting their racquets in moments of tension. Sabalenka missed four set points before finally clinching the first set on her fifth attempt, a crucial psychological victory after the tight exchanges.

Determined to avoid a repeat of her loss in the 2023 final, where she had won the first set before faltering, Sabalenka came out strong in the second set, storming to a 3-0 lead. However, Pegula, feeding off the energy of the crowd, mounted an impressive comeback. She broke Sabalenka twice to take a 5-3 lead, giving the crowd hope that the match would go to a deciding third set. But Sabalenka, showcasing the maturity and mental strength she has developed, halted Pegula’s momentum and powered through to seal the win.

Dominance on Hard Courts and Grand Slam Glory

Sabalenka’s victory at the US Open marks her third Grand Slam singles title, following her two Australian Open victories in 2023 and 2024. Her success on the hard courts of New York has been remarkable, with the Belarusian extending her winning streak to 14 consecutive matches on this surface in major tournaments. This victory cements her as one of the top players in women’s tennis, especially on hard courts, where her aggressive baseline play and powerful serves have proven too much for many of her opponents.

In addition to the 2,000 ranking points she earned from the win, Sabalenka also took home a substantial $3.6 million in prize money, further affirming her position among the elite of the sport.

Pegula’s Search for a Major Title Continues

While Sabalenka celebrates her historic win, the loss was bittersweet for Pegula, who had hoped to capture her first Grand Slam title in front of her home crowd. Despite the disappointment, Pegula’s performance in New York demonstrated her resilience and skill, qualities that will undoubtedly fuel her in future tournaments. Her rise to her first major final signals that she remains a formidable force in women’s tennis.

Sabalenka Reflects on Her Journey

For Sabalenka, this victory represents more than just another Grand Slam title—it is a culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and resilience. “I’m super proud of myself and my team,” she said, highlighting the challenges they’ve overcome together. The Belarusian champion has faced her share of setbacks, but her determination to improve and adapt has led her to the pinnacle of the sport.

As Sabalenka looks ahead, her dominance on hard courts and her recent form suggest that she will continue to be a strong contender in future Grand Slam tournaments. This victory, however, stands as a testament to her ability to bounce back from adversity and claim the glory she has long sought.

Conclusion: Sabalenka’s Moment in the Spotlight

With her US Open triumph, Aryna Sabalenka has cemented her place as one of the top players in the world. Her powerful game, mental fortitude, and ability to perform on the biggest stages have made her a dominant force in women’s tennis. As Pegula continues her quest for a major title, Sabalenka’s star continues to rise, and with three Grand Slam singles titles to her name, she shows no signs of slowing down. This victory at Flushing Meadows will undoubtedly go down as a defining moment in her already illustrious career.