Updated on: October 8, 2024 3:21 pm GMT
Aryna Sabalenka claimed her first U.S. Open title by defeating Jessica Pegula in a tightly contested match that ended with a score of 7-5, 7-5. This victory allows Sabalenka to add to her Grand Slam titles, already holding the Australian Open trophy from earlier in the year. The match saw Sabalenka showcasing her aggressive style, hitting 40 winners compared to Pegula’s 17, and winning an impressive 78% of her net points.
Despite a shaky start in the second set, where she fell behind 3-0, Sabalenka demonstrated resilience and skill. Pegula fought hard, even serving for the second set at 5-4, but Sabalenka seized crucial moments with powerful shots and strategic plays to keep the match in her control. The Belarusian’s emotional journey throughout the match was evident, particularly as she worked to maintain her composure after last year’s heartbreaking final loss to Coco Gauff.
Post-match, Sabalenka expressed her overwhelming joy and gratitude for finally winning at the U.S. Open, acknowledging Pegula’s abilities and encouraging her to pursue her own Grand Slam success. Sabalenka’s win marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first woman to hold both the Australian Open and U.S. Open titles in the same year since Angelique Kerber in 2016.
The U.S. Open finals had some surprising twists! Coco Gauff and Novak Djokovic, who were the defending champions, didn’t make it to the final rounds. This made the tournament very exciting and full of surprises. Sabalenka’s win shows that she is now one of the best players in the sport, and everyone is looking forward to future matches!