Aryna Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed, won her first championship at the U.S. Open, defeating Jessica Pegula in the final. Sabalenka displayed her typical power and variation in a rollicking final under a closed retractable roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium. This victory marked her third Grand Slam title of her career, adding to those at the Australian Open in the past two seasons. Sabalenka mentioned the tough losses she had faced in previous years at the U.S. Open, including being the runner-up last year and exiting in the semifinals in the years before that.
Sabalenka alluded to the challenges she faced away from the court, including the death of her father in 2019 and an ex-boyfriend earlier this year. She also mentioned a right shoulder problem that forced her to withdraw from Wimbledon. Sabalenka expressed her pride in putting her family name in the history of tennis and thanked her family for supporting her dream. She acknowledged that the tough losses in the past at the U.S. Open were also driving forces behind her determination to win this championship.
Jessica Pegula, a native New Yorker, participated in a major final for the first time at age 30. She had been in excellent form, winning 15 of her past 17 matches in the past month, with both losses coming against Sabalenka. Pegula showed resilience in the final, not folding after falling behind in the first set and second set. Despite a comeback rally, she was unable to force a third set, ultimately falling to Sabalenka in the championship match.
Sabalenka’s booming strokes and varied play were on full display in the final, as she controlled most exchanges against Pegula. The statistics highlighted Sabalenka’s dominance, with more winners and unforced errors than Pegula. While there were moments of frustration and anger, Sabalenka managed to stay focused and decisive, ultimately securing the victory. She credited her ability to fight back and give herself a chance to win, despite facing tough moments in the match.
Overall, Sabalenka’s victory at the U.S. Open marked a significant milestone in her career, overcoming the tough losses and challenges she had faced in previous years. The championship win also solidified her status as a top player in the women’s tennis circuit, adding to her growing list of achievements. Sabalenka expressed gratitude towards the fans for their support and acknowledged the role of her coach in her success. As she celebrated her triumph, she reflected on the journey that led her to this moment and the determination that kept her going despite the setbacks.
