Picture Credit: X
World number two ranked Aryna Sabalenka on Sunday, September 8 (IST) clinched her maiden US Open title and her third Grand Slam crown with a thrilling 7-5, 7-5 win over Jessica Pegula at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 26-year-old Belarusian claimed her third Grand Slam title to add to her back-to-back title wins at the Australian Open.
The Belarus star player, who lost the 2023 US Open to Coco Gauff, struggled to settle in the early stages with a flurry of errors from the home favourite, Jessica Pegula. But the 26-year-old showcased her dominance with her sound and powerful strokes to hand a break for Pegula 2-1 and then at 4-2. Pegula, who knocked out World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, then battled to break the set and levelled 5-5 with Sabalenka serving for the set.
Although the USA player saved four points, but could not save the fifth one, giving the game to Sabalenka. During the game Sabalenka unleashed 25 winners and committed 23 unforced errors to Pegula’s nine and 11. The dominance of Sabalenka continued despite some good shots from Pegula, leading to the Belarusian holding her nerve and claiming the game and the title. With this win, the 26-year-old clubbed 40 winners to become the first woman since Angelique Kerber in 2016 to capture both hardcourt majors in the same season.
We’re probably gonna drink a lot: Aryna Sabalenka on her post-win celebrations
After her dominating victory over home favourite Jessica Pegula, Aryna Sabalenka when asked about how she will carry forward her celebrations, replied, “We’re probably gonna drink a lot.” Soon after her win, the Belarusian popped the champagne to bring in the celebrations. Sabalenka, who is often seen sharing a close bond with her team, opened the champagne, sprayed on everyone in the dressing room, video of which is going viral.
Watch Aryna Sabalenka's post-win celebrations:
Speaking in an on-court interview after her title triumph, Sabalenka expressed, “I’m speechless right now. It’s always been a dream of mine and finally I got this beautiful trophy. If you’re really working hard sacrificing everything for your dream, you’re going to get it one day.”
“I’m just super proud of myself. I never say that but I’m super proud of myself. I’m super proud of my team that no matter what, we were able to go through it and get all those beautiful trophies,” she continued. Notably, Sabalenka finishes this season 18-1 in Grand Slam competition, losing only to teenage qualifier Mirra Andreeva at the French Open. She did not feature in the Wimbledon and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
