2024-09-07 23:00:52
Second attempt, first happy ending: Aryna Sabalenka won the US Open tennis tournament for the first time on Saturday. The world number two won the final in Flushing Meadows on Saturday against the number six seeded American Jessica Pegula after 1:53 hours with 7:5,7:5. For her, it was also a kind of revenge. In 2023, she had lost in the final at the same venue with Coco Gauff against a local hero with 6:2,3:6,2:6.
For Sabalenka, it was her first success at a Grand Slam tournament outside of the Australian Open, which she won in 2023 and this year. In the rankings, she will remain the first pursuer of Poland’s Iga Swiatek next week. Behind her, billionaire’s daughter Pegula will appear as the new third, despite her defeat in her major final debut. The 30-year-old lost in two sets to Sabalenka, just as she did in the Cincinnati final, and is now 2-6 behind in the head-to-head.
“Oh my God, I’m just speechless,” was Sabalenka’s first reaction at the awards ceremony on the court. For the fourth time in a row, she was at least in the semifinals of the US highlight, and this time she was finally able to accept the trophy from the hands of legend Billie Jean King. “I’ve thought about the title so often, I was very close several times, which is why the victory means so much to me,” said the top player from Belarus.
Unlike last year, this time there were tears of joy. “It shows that if you work hard, your dreams will come true at some point. I am extremely proud of myself and my team,” said the 16-time WTA tournament winner.
She told Pegula that she knew the feeling of losing a final here. “I know how hard it is, but one day you will win one or more Grand Slam tournaments.” Pegula would have hoped to win at least one set. “She is currently the best player in the world, her shots have so much power, she hardly gives you a chance. I am happy that I was always ready to fight back, but in the decisive moments I was not able to take advantage of my chances,” Pegula summed up. The support from the stands was “unbelievable”.
Pegula made a dream start with the roof closed, spurred on by the 24,000 fans in the Artur Ashe Stadium, breaking her opponent’s serve to make it 2-1. However, that was a wake-up call for the tournament’s number two, who hit back twice with breaks to make it 2-2 and 4-2. Pegula managed a rebreak to make it 4-5 and had a break chance at 5-5, but she let it go in a marathon game. Pegula then made minor errors on her own serve, was able to fend off four set points, but not the fifth. Sabalenka had the better end in a set at an extremely high level – thanks in part to 25 winners.
The 26-year-old favorite took the momentum and seemed safe, leading 3-0 plus a break point. But Pegula made a strong comeback, just like in the semifinal against Karolina Muchova, with the only difference being that this time it was not rewarded. With five games in a row, the American made it 5-3, and just as Sabalenka was trying to serve out, she recovered and laid the foundation for winning the second set with a rebreak.
In front of many superstars, including Formula 1 record world champion Lewis Hamilton, Olympic sprint champion Noah Lyles and basketball superstar Stephen Curry, the two-time Australian Open winner converted her second match point after just under two hours and fell to the ground in relief. The triumph is also financially worthwhile for the first fifth player to win both hard court major tournaments in one year, as there is 3.6 million dollars (3.24 million euros) in prize money. Pegula receives half.
On Sunday there is the next chance for a US triumph, when local hero Taylor Fritz challenges the top seeded South Tyrolean Jannik Sinner. The doubles competition has already been decided. The Australian Wimbledon finalists Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson secured the title, winning the final against the Germans Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz with 6:4,7:6(4).
1725750434
#Sabalenka #triumphs #Open #Melbourne
Table of Contents
Aryna Sabalenka Wins Her First US Open Title in Thrilling Fashion
On Saturday, September 7, 2024, Aryna Sabalenka made tennis history by clinching her first US Open title, defeating American Jessica Pegula in a nail-biting final with a score of 7:5, 7:5 [[3]]. This victory marks Sabalenka’s first Grand Slam tournament win outside of the Australian Open, which she won in 2023 and earlier this year.
The world number two, Sabalenka, dominated the match, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination. Despite Pegula’s strong start, breaking Sabalenka’s serve to take a 2-1 lead, the Belarusian tennis star fought back, breaking Pegula’s serve twice to take control of the set. Pegula managed to rebreak, but ultimately, Sabalenka’s 25 winners in the set sealed her victory [[3]].
In the second set, Sabalenka appeared to be in control, leading 3-0 with a break point. However, Pegula mounted a remarkable comeback, winning five games in a row to take a 5-3 lead. Sabalenka recovered, taking advantage of Pegula’s minor errors to win the second set and claim the championship [[3]].
This win is particularly sweet for Sabalenka, who lost in the final at the same venue in 2023 to Coco Gauff. “Oh my God, I’m just speechless,” Sabalenka said in her post-match interview, tears of joy streaming down her face [[3]]. She also expressed her pride in herself and her team, thanking them for their unwavering support.
Sabalenka’s triumph at the US Open solidifies her position as the number two player in the world, behind Poland’s Iga Swiatek. Meanwhile, Pegula, despite her defeat, will rise to third in the rankings, a testament to her remarkable skills and perseverance [[2]].
As the Belarussian tennis star celebrated her victory, she was joined by tennis legend Billie Jean King, who presented her with the championship trophy. Sabalenka’s achievement serves as an inspiration to aspiring tennis players worldwide, demonstrating the power of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in achieving one’s dreams.
About Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka is a Belarusian professional tennis player, currently ranked as the world number two. Born on May 5, 1998, in Minsk, Belarus, Sabalenka has rapidly risen through the tennis ranks, winning 16 WTA tournaments, including two Australian Open titles [[2]]. With her US Open victory, Sabalenka has cemented her position as one of the top players in the world, and her journey is far from over.
References:
<a href="https://www.usopen.org/enUS/players/overview/wta320760.html”>[2]
<a href="https://www.lemonde.fr/sport/article/2024/09/08/us-open-la-bielorusse-aryna-sabalenka-remporte-la-finale-face-a-l-americaine-jessica-pegula6306948_3242.html”>[3]
– What were the key highlights of Aryna Sabalenka’s performance in the 2024 US Open final against Jessica Pegula?
Aryna Sabalenka Wins Her First US Open Title in Thrilling Fashion
On Saturday, September 7, 2024, Aryna Sabalenka made tennis history by clinching her first US Open title, defeating American Jessica Pegula in a nail-biting final with a score of 7:5, 7:5 [[3]]. This victory marks Sabalenka’s first Grand Slam tournament win outside of the Australian Open, which she won in 2023 and earlier this year.
The world number two, Sabalenka, dominated the match, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination. Despite Pegula’s strong start, breaking Sabalenka’s serve to take a 2-1 lead, the Belarusian tennis star fought back, breaking Peg
