Sabalenka Overcomes Pegula Challenge to Claim U.S. Open Women’s Title, Reports Reuters

By Amy Tennery

NEW YORK – Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus finally celebrated victory in New York, successfully outplaying American sixth seed Jessica Pegula with a score of 7-5, 7-5 to clinch her first U.S. Open title. This win comes a year after she fell short in the final and follows two previous semi-final appearances.

During the match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Sabalenka focused on overcoming the enthusiastic support for Pegula from the crowd, ultimately breaking her opponent in the critical final game. "So many times I thought I was so close to getting the U.S. Open title. Finally, I get this beautiful trophy," said the second seed, who demonstrated resilience by rallying back from being down in both sets.

Pegula, 30, was making her major final debut and entered the tournament with confidence after winning in Toronto. Despite strong backing from the audience, she struggled to match Sabalenka’s power throughout the match.

"It’s really special to stand here in my first Grand Slam final after such a hot summer. I didn’t expect this, so I’m really grateful for the last few weeks of tennis,” Pegula remarked.

Due to inclement weather, the roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium was closed, setting the scene for a competitive match. The players exchanged break points as they adapted to the conditions, playing in front of an audience filled with celebrities.

In a tense 11th game, Sabalenka held serve through four deuces and faced an intense 12th game, exhibiting both precision at the net and power from the baseline before breaking Pegula on her fifth set point.

Throughout the match, Pegula faced difficulties with her rackets, expressing frustration to her coaches over the string tension. When Sabalenka took a 3-0 lead in the second set, it seemed Pegula might not re-establish her footing. However, she showcased her determination, winning five consecutive games and bringing the crowd to their feet as she attempted a comeback, having previously lost to Sabalenka in Cincinnati just a month earlier.

Sabalenka equalized by striking a precise forehand winner on break point during the tenth game, then held serve, applying pressure in the final game. Her decisive backhand on Pegula’s 30-40 serve sparked a critical rally that concluded with a break when Pegula’s forehand went out.

"Honestly, after leading 3-0, I didn’t expect her to return at such a high level," Sabalenka said. "I’m really glad I held my serve when down 5-3 and then broke her back; it gave me so much belief that I could close this match in two sets."

With tears of joy, Sabalenka embraced the moment as she secured her third Grand Slam title, having previously won the Australian Open twice. She reveled in the victory by celebrating with her team and fans in the stands.

"I remember all those tough losses in the past here. It may sound cheesy, but never give up on your dream and just keep trying," she advised.

Sabalenka dropped only one set on her path to the final, as several key contenders, including defending champion Coco Gauff and top seed Iga Swiatek, were eliminated from the tournament. The triumph is particularly sweet for her, having missed significant parts of the season due to injury, including Wimbledon and the Paris Games.

"I’m super proud of myself and my team. Regardless of the challenges we faced this season and in the past, we persevered," she said.

FANS EMBRACE

Following a tumultuous relationship with the New York crowd last year, when she faced another American player in the finals, Sabalenka light-heartedly offered the fans drinks if they would cheer for her after defeating Emma Navarro in the semi-finals this year. However, on this victorious occasion, she expressed gratitude towards the crowd for their support.

"Of course I expected you to cheer for Jessica. It wouldn’t be normal if you cheered for me," she acknowledged in her post-match speech. She also thanked the fans for their enthusiasm over the past two weeks, emphasizing their role in making the event special.

As the U.S. Open continues, fans are excitedly awaiting the men’s final, with Taylor Fritz aiming to break a 21-year American men’s major title drought against Italian top seed Jannik Sinner.