In an electrifying battle of wills, Aryna Sabalenka captured her third Grand Slam title on Saturday, overcoming a resilient Jessica Pegula with a 7-5, 7-5 victory in a gripping US Open final.
Under the closed roof of the Arthur Ashe Stadium, Sabalenka’s explosive power clashed with Pegula’s tenacious defense in front of 23,000 fans, including stars like Olympic champion Noah Lyles, NBA icon Steph Curry, and Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton.
The US Open final was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, showcasing the intensity and drama of women’s tennis at the highest level.
Sabalenka, currently ranked world No. 2, demonstrated her remarkable hitting power, delivering a total of 40 winners throughout the match.
On the other side of the net, Pegula, ranked No. 3, showed her grit and determination by battling back from a 0-3 deficit in the second set to take a 5-3 lead, making the final a nail-biting contest.
This victory adds the US Open crown to her back-to-back Australian Open titles, marking an incredible season for the Belarusian and making her the first woman since Angelique Kerber in 2016 to win both hardcourt Grand Slam titles in the same year.
For Pegula, the loss was bittersweet, but her performance in this final and throughout the tournament solidified her status as one of the top competitors on the WTA Tour.
Sabalenka’s Power Prevails in a High-Stakes Match
The US Open final began with both players looking slightly nervous, with Sabalenka especially struggling to settle into her game.
Her early inconsistency allowed Pegula to capitalize on a series of errors and secure an early break, taking a 2-1 lead in the first set.
However, the Belarusian quickly found her rhythm, leveling the score at 2-2 with a powerful forehand that Pegula could not counter.
From there, She surged ahead, breaking Pegula’s serve to go up 4-2. The American fought back valiantly, pushing Sabalenka deep into the court with well-placed shots and forcing her to defend.
Pegula’s resilience brought the score to 5-5, but Sabalenka’s relentless attacking style ultimately proved too much for her opponent. After a marathon 12th game that saw Pegula save four set points, Sabalenka finally clinched the set 7-5.
Her performance in the opening set demonstrated the stark contrast in playing styles between the two athletes. While Pegula relied on consistency and court coverage, Sabalenka’s raw power allowed her to dominate rallies and force errors from Pegula.
The Belarusian unleashed a remarkable 25 winners in the first set alone, though it was balanced by 23 unforced errors, showcasing both her aggression and vulnerability in key moments.
Pegula’s Comeback Falls Short
The second set began much like the first, with Sabalenka taking an early lead after breaking Pegula’s serve. A double fault from Pegula gave Sabalenka a 3-0 advantage, and it seemed like the Belarusian might cruise to victory.
However, Pegula, who had knocked out world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals and battled from a set and break down to defeat Karolina Muchova in the semifinals, was not ready to give up. She stormed back, winning five of the next six games to take a 5-3 lead, leaving the match on a knife’s edge.
Pegula’s ability to rally from behind demonstrated her mental toughness and her ability to handle pressure in big moments.
The American employed a mix of smart shot selection and defensive prowess to disrupt Sabalenka’s rhythm, forcing the Belarusian into extended rallies and capitalizing on her errors.
However, just when it looked like Pegula might push the match to a deciding third set, Sabalenka dug deep and displayed the determination that had carried her to the final. She broke Pegula in the 10th game and held her serve to even the score at 5-5.
From there, Sabalenka’s raw power came to the fore once more, as she took control of the next two games and closed out the match 7-5, 7-5.
Sabalenka’s Resilience: A Grand Slam Journey
This US Open victory is a testament to Aryna Sabalenka’s incredible growth as a player over the last few years. Known for her fierce power and aggressive play, Sabalenka’s journey to her third Grand Slam title has been marked by a mix of highs and lows, including last year’s painful loss in the US Open final to Coco Gauff.
That defeat has clearly motivated Sabalenka, who returned to New York this year with more focus, mental toughness, and a desire to claim the crown.
“I learned a lot from last year,” Sabalenka said after the match. “Losing in the final was hard, but it made me stronger. Today, I believed in myself, even when things got tough, and that’s what made the difference.”
Sabalenka’s victory in New York also cements her status as one of the top players on the WTA Tour and further boosts her bid to take the No. 1 ranking from Iga Swiatek. Having now won the Australian Open and the US Open in the same year, Sabalenka has positioned herself as a favorite heading into the upcoming tournaments.
Jessica Pegula: A Gallant Effort
While Jessica Pegula may not have lifted the trophy, her performance in the US Open final and throughout the tournament showed why she is a force to be reckoned with on the WTA circuit.
Pegula’s journey to the final included impressive victories over Iga Swiatek and Karolina Muchova, showcasing her versatility and mental toughness.
Pegula’s fightback from 0-3 down in the second set of the final was one of the match’s highlights, as she refused to fold under Sabalenka’s pressure. Although she ultimately fell short, Pegula’s ability to perform on the biggest stage signals that she will continue to be a threat in major tournaments moving forward.
“I gave everything I had,” Pegula said. “Sabalenka was just too strong today, but I’m proud of my performance and the way I fought back. I’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
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Conclusion
Aryna Sabalenka’s thrilling victory over Jessica Pegula in the US Open final has solidified her status as one of the most dominant players in women’s tennis.
Her third Grand Slam title is a testament to her resilience, power, and growth as a player. While Pegula fought bravely, Sabalenka’s determination and raw strength ultimately led her to a well-deserved victory.
As Sabalenka looks ahead to future tournaments, fans can expect even more from this rising star.
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