Aryna Sabalenka relieved to finally overcome past struggles and claim ‘dream’ US Open title against Jessica Pegula

Published 07/09/2024 at 23:08 GMT

Aryna Sabalenka has reached the semi-finals of the US Open for four years running but lost out each time, beaten in the 2023 final by Coco Gauff. However, that streak is over after the Belarusian beat Jessica Pegula 7-5 7-5 at Flushing Meadows to secure a dream title. Sabalenka also confirmed her status as the queen of hard courts after back-to-back Australian Open crowns.

Highlights: Sabalenka and Pegula battle through to set up US Open final

Aryna Sabalenka was "speechless" after finally getting her hands on the US Open trophy and hailed her victory over Jessica Pegula as a dream come true.

New York native Pegula was serving for the second set after going 5-3 up, but Sabalenka roared back to stop the rot and then won three more games on the spin to win her maiden title at Flushing Meadows after disappointment in the final 12 months ago.

Sabalenka won her second Australian Open crown in January and weathered successive storms in New York, clinching the title when Pegula lifted a forehand lob past the baseline.

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"I'm speechless right now,” Sabalenka said. “So many times I thought I was so close to getting the US Open title, it's always been a dream of mine, and finally I got this beautiful trophy. It means a lot, it was a really difficult couple of weeks.

"Jessica, I know how tough it was in the finals but you are showing some amazing tennis and I'm more than sure that you are going to get one.

"Congratulations on a great summer, you're an amazing player and in that second set, honestly, I was really praying for getting this win and not giving you one set. It means a lot, I'm literally speechless."

Pegula reflects on tough defeat

Sabalenka defeated Pegula 6-3 7-5 less than a month ago to win the Cincinnati Open, and the home favourite put out an improved performance inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, partially buoyed by vociferous support.

Aged 30, Pegula has been denied six times at the quarter-final stage in Grand Slams but broke that duck this time around against No. 1 seed Iga Swiatek.

Pegula even broke Sabalenka early in the first set, but the Belarusian boasted a stronger second serve and hit more than twice as many winners, making the difference when it counted in a tight affair.

"I wish she would have at least let me get one set,” Pegula said. "We had a tough match in Cincinnati a few weeks ago and she's one of the best in the world.

"She's super powerful and isn't going to give you anything, she can take the racquet out of your hand. "I'm just glad I was able to stay in there and keep taking opportunities."

"It has been an incredible month for me. I had a tough start to the year but managed to turn it around. I didn't expect to be standing here, and I'm grateful for the last few months of tennis and some incredible matches."

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