Aryna Sabalenka: Second seed seals US Open title with victory against home hope Jessica Pegula | Tennis News

Aryna Sabalenka overcame the heartbreak of losing last year’s title to finally claim the U.S. Open title with a win over local hopeful Jessica Pegula at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Sabalenka, who lost to Coco Gauff 12 months ago, got revenge in a big showdown in New York with a dramatic 7-5, 7-5 win over Pegula on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Belarusian athlete threatened to repeat that mistake in a tense moment, but now it was her turn.

It was her second Grand Slam title this year after her triumph in Australia and her third overall, proving she is the best hard-court player in the world, and few can match her ability in these conditions.

For the 30-year-old Pegula, whose father is a businessman and owner of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, the loss was devastating, but she continues to knock on the door to the biggest stage.

Although the Ashe roof was closed due to heavy rain, Sabalenka appeared to be in complete control, winning five straight games to take the opening set.

She then led 3-0 in the second set in front of a celebrity-packed crowd before the New York native stormed back.

The 30-year-old American suddenly found his feet, winning five straight matches.

Sabalenka, no doubt nervous that history would repeat itself, stepped in.

A crucial break at 5-4 saved her from a deciding match, and then a big hold to take the game.

Suddenly, Pegula was serving to stay in the match, but the Belarusian looked on track to close it out with three straight games.

Sabalenka immediately collapsed to the court, dropped her racket and lay flat on her back with her hands covering her face.

She ran into the stands to celebrate with her team, high-fiving fans.

Sabalenka: I’m speechless. The US Open was my dream.

Champion Sabalenka speaks courtside on Sky Sports Tennis:

“I’m speechless right now because I’ve come so close to winning the U.S. Open title so many times.

“This has been my dream and finally I have this beautiful trophy.

“These past few weeks have been really tough. Jessica has played some fantastic tennis and I’m sure she can win a Grand Slam or even more one day. Have a great summer. Congratulations.”

“I was literally praying for this win in the second set. It means a lot.”

“I remember all the tough losses here in the past. I’m very proud of myself. I never say that, but I really am. I’m very proud of myself and my team.”

“No matter what circumstances we’ve faced this season and in the past, we’ve been able to overcome them and win these beautiful trophies.”

“I never thought I’d be here,” Pegula said. “Sabalenka is the best in the world on hard courts.”

From Pegula courtside to Sky Sports Tennis:

It was an incredible time to be in my first Grand Slam final, I never expected it.

“I’m really grateful for the past few weeks of tennis and some great matches I’ve been able to put together.

“I wish she’d let me at least win one set. I had a tough match a few weeks ago. She’s the best hard-court player in the world so I knew it was going to be a tough match.”

Navratilova: Sabalenka catches up to world number one Swiatek

Sabalenka is currently 2,169 points behind world number one Iga Swiatek, who is defending her 2,600 points in the WTA rankings until the end of 2024.

Martina Navratilova on Sky Sports Tennis:

“She’s the best hard-court player and she’s trailing Iga Swiatek in the rankings, so we’ll see who’s going to be No. 1 in the world at the end of the year,” the tennis legend said. “Mathematically speaking, I think it’s still possible for Sabalenka to be at the top by the end of the year, and she should be because she’s won two majors.”

“She has limitless potential. She should be one of the favorites at Wimbledon and she knows how to play on clay so she’s a threat on any court right now.”

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What’s on Sky Sports Tennis in September?

• Jasmine Open, Tunisia – WTA 250 (September 9-15)
• Guadalajara Open, Mexico – WTA 500 (September 9-15)
• Korea Open – WTA 500 (September 16-22 – vs. Emma Raducanu)
• Thailand Open – WTA 250 (September 16-22)

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