Aryna Sabalenka has clinched the 2024 US Open women’s singles title, defeating American Jessica Pegula in a thrilling final with a score of 7-5, 7-5. This victory marks Sabalenka’s third Grand Slam title and her first US Open championship, solidifying her position as one of the top players in women’s tennis.The match, which lasted 1 hour and 53 minutes, showcased Sabalenka’s powerful play and mental resilience. The Belarusian player, currently ranked world No. 2, overcame early deficits in both sets to secure the win. Sabalenka’s performance was highlighted by her aggressive style, including a tournament-leading 129 km/h forehand.’Oh, my God. I’m speechless right now,’ an emotional Sabalenka said after the match. ‘So many times, I thought I was so close to get a U.S. Open title. It’s been a dream of mine. Finally, I got this beautiful trophy. It means a lot’. The victory was particularly poignant for Sabalenka, who dedicated the win to her late father.For Pegula, who was playing in her first Grand Slam final at the age of 30, the loss was disappointing but she remained positive about her performance. ‘I’m just disappointed about the loss, but I think I’ll appreciate this final more with time. I played good tennis, but I wasn’t able to maintain the level for the whole match,’ Pegula reflected.Sabalenka’s victory extends her winning streak to 12 matches and cements her status as a dominant force on hard courts. With this win, she becomes the fifth player to achieve a ‘double slam’ on hard courts in Australia and the US in a single season. The triumph also comes with a $3.6 million prize and sets the stage for a potential challenge to Iga Swiatek’s world No. 1 ranking.The victory is particularly meaningful for Sabalenka, who has overcome personal tragedies and professional challenges, including the death of her father in 2019 and the recent loss of her ex-boyfriend. Her resilience and determination have been evident throughout the tournament, with Sabalenka noting, ‘That’s why it’s very special, because no matter what, every time I was coming back stronger and I was learning. I never gave up on this dream’.
Key points
- Aryna Sabalenka won the 2024 US Open women’s singles title, defeating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5.
- This is Sabalenka’s third Grand Slam title and her first US Open championship.
- Sabalenka overcame personal challenges and previous disappointments to secure this win.
- The victory extends Sabalenka’s winning streak to 12 matches and cements her status as a dominant force on hard courts.
