NEW YORK, USA — Aryna Sabalenka claimed her third Grand Slam singles title on Saturday, September 7, 2024, defeating American Jessica Pegula in straight sets (7-5, 7-5) to win the U.S. Open in New York City.
The victory marks the 26-year-old Belarusian’s first U.S. Open triumph, adding to her back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2023 and 2024.
The win came at the end of a challenging year for Sabalenka, who hoisted the Tiffany-designed trophy with a smile as tennis legend Billie Jean King handed it to her during the ceremony at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The moment was the culmination of an emotionally charged and tumultuous 2024 season for Sabalenka.
“Finally, I got this beautiful trophy,” Sabalenka said with relief, addressing the crowd after the match.
In an interview with commentator Mary Joe Fernández, Sabalenka reflected on the perseverance that led her to the top. “If you’re really working hard and you’re sacrificing everything for your dream, you’re going to get it one day,” she said. “I’m super proud of myself.”
Pegula’s Resilience
For Pegula, the unexpected journey to her first Grand Slam final was a significant milestone. Despite the loss, the 30-year-old Buffalo native expressed gratitude for her experience on tennis’s biggest stage.
“To be able to be standing here in my first Grand Slam final, I’m grateful,” Pegula told the crowd, receiving warm applause for her performance.
Pegula’s path to the final included a grueling semifinal match just 48 hours earlier, where she came from behind to defeat Karolina Muchova 1-6, 6-4, 6-2. While her quest for her first Grand Slam title fell short, Pegula’s resilience throughout the tournament endeared her to fans in New York, many of whom admired her down-to-earth persona, including her habit of taking the subway to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
A Hard-Fought Final
The final, which saw both players trading blows in an intense, seesaw battle, could have easily swung in Pegula’s favor. After falling behind 3-0 in the second set, the American clawed her way back to a 5-3 lead, setting the stage for a potential comeback. But Sabalenka’s aggressive groundstrokes, thunderous serves, and mental toughness proved too much for Pegula to overcome.
With the score tied at 5-5, Sabalenka unleashed a series of powerful serves, including a 118 mph strike that put her in position to break Pegula’s serve and seal the championship. Sabalenka clinched the title on her second championship point, securing a 7-5, 7-5 victory.
Chris Evert, providing commentary from ESPN’s booth, remarked on the competitive nature of the match. “Each player plays better when they’re behind,” she observed, noting the intensity both athletes brought to the final.
After the match, Sabalenka acknowledged Pegula’s tenacity and competitive spirit, praising her opponent for a match that could have gone either way. “You’re showing some amazing tennis,” Sabalenka said.
A Season of Triumph and Heartache
Sabalenka’s U.S. Open victory was a highlight in what has been an emotionally challenging year for the Belarusian player. Two months after winning her second consecutive Australian Open title, Sabalenka experienced a personal tragedy when her former boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, a former NHL player, died by suicide near Miami. While they had quietly separated before his passing, the news shocked the tennis world.
In addition to personal grief, Sabalenka faced health setbacks that affected her performances at this year’s French Open, Berlin Ladies Open, and Wimbledon. Injuries and illness plagued her throughout the summer, but her ability to persevere through those challenges made Saturday’s triumph all the more meaningful.
Sabalenka, who hails from Minsk, Belarus, played the 2024 season without an official national affiliation due to Belarus’s ongoing support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While most players have their country’s flag next to their names in official listings, Sabalenka’s name appeared with a blank space, a reflection of the international stance against her country’s political alliances.
Pegula’s Rising Star
Despite the loss, Pegula’s run to the U.S. Open final solidified her status as a rising star in women’s tennis.
Prior to this tournament, her best Grand Slam performances had been quarterfinal finishes at Wimbledon and the French and Australian Opens.
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Pegula’s background has also drawn attention, as she comes from one of the wealthiest families in the United States. Her father, Terry Pegula, is an energy billionaire and owner of the Buffalo Bills football team and Buffalo Sabres hockey team.
Despite her family’s wealth, Pegula is known for her grounded attitude and commitment to the sport.
With Sabalenka’s win, the U.S. Open comes to a close, crowning a champion who has overcome personal and professional hurdles to stand atop the tennis world once again.
