Current:Home > Contact-usAryna Sabalenka wins US Open, defeating American Jessica Pegula in final-LoTradeCoin
Aryna Sabalenka wins US Open, defeating American Jessica Pegula in final
View Date:2024-12-23 22:31:06
Aryna Sabalenka is the queen of the hard court.
No. 2 seed Sabalenka defeated No. 6 seed Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in the U.S. Open women’s final on Saturday in New York City to secure her first U.S. Open title and her third career major overall, all on the hard court. It was a moment of redemption for Sabalenka, who was the runner-up of last year's U.S. Open.
“I’m speechless right now because so many times I thought I was so close to getting a U.S. Open title," Sabalenka said after her win. "It’s always been a dream of mine and finally I got this beautiful trophy and it means a lot."
The Belarusian dropped to the court on Arthur Ashe Stadium after winning championship point against the American Pegula, who was competing in her first career Grand Slam final. Sabalenka's 2024 U.S. Open title joins her back-to-back Australian Open wins (2023, 2024).
"I’m super proud of myself," added Sabalenka, who will take home $3.6 million in prize money. "I never say that, but I’m proud of myself and my team."
Sabalenka looked like she was going to run away with the first set. After dropping her serve, Sablenka won five games straight to take a 5-2 lead. Sabalenka had the opportunity to close out the first set on serve, but her service game faltered and a double fault and number of unforced errors led to Pegula breaking, 5-4. Pegula tied it up 5-5 after holding her serve, but Sabalenka jumped back in front 6-5 after a 14-point service game. Sabalenka went on to take the first set, 7-5.
It was a moment of déjà vu. Sabalenka had a one set lead over American Coco Gauff in last year's U.S. Open final, before she gave up two straight sets and the championship. The Belarusian wasn't going to let that happen this time around.
Sabalenka carried her momentum into the second set and quickly went up 3-0, but Pegula came back and won five consecutive games to take the lead 5-3. Sabalenka answered back with a break of her own to tie it up at 5-5. She easily held serve to go up 6-5 and broke Pegula again for the U.S. Open title.
"In that second set, I honestly was just praying... I was praying on getting this win," Sabalenka said. She turned to Pegula and said her time is coming: "I know how tough it is to lose in the finals, but you showed some amazing tennis. I’m more than sure that one day you are going to get one."
Pegula will pocket $1.8 million as the runner-up.
Aryna Sabalenka's path to US Open championship
Tournament's No. 2 seed
- 1st round: Defeated Priscilla Hon 6-3, 6-3
- 2nd round: Defeated Lucia Bronzetti 6-3, 6-1
- 3rd round: Defeated (29) Ekaterina Alexandrova 2-6, 6-1, 6-2
- 4th round: Defeated (33) Elise Mertens 6-2, 6-4
- Quarterfinals: Defeated (7) Qinwen Zheng 6-1, 6-2
- Semifinals: Defeated (13) Emma Navarro 6-3, 7-6 (7-2)
- Final: Defeated (6) Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5
veryGood! (2)
Related
- How Saturday Night Live Reacted to Donald Trump’s Win Over Kamala Harris
- Francia Raísa Says She and Selena Gomez Hadn't Spoken Much in 6 Years Before Reconciliation
- Boeing urges airlines to check its 737 Max jets for loose bolts
- Russell Wilson says Broncos had threatened benching if he didn't renegotiate contract
- Taking stock of bonds: Does the 60/40 rule still have a role in retirement savings?
- Medical marijuana dispensary licenses blocked in Alabama amid dispute over selection process
- First edible mascot in sports history stars in the Pop-Tarts Bowl
- SUV plows into Albuquerque garage, killing homeowner
- Jason Kelce Offers Up NSFW Explanation for Why Men Have Beards
- Migrant crossings at U.S. southern border reach record monthly high in December
Ranking
- As the transition unfolds, Trump eyes one of his favorite targets: US intelligence
- After Mel Tucker firing at Michigan State, investigation unable to find source of leaks
- Watch as Florida firefighters, deputies save family's Christmas after wreck drowns gifts
- 'Wait Wait' for December 30, 2023: Happy Holidays from Wait Wait!
- Steelers shoot for the moon ball, but will offense hold up or wilt in brutal final stretch?
- Man charged after 2 killed in police chase crash
- Watch as Florida firefighters, deputies save family's Christmas after wreck drowns gifts
- NFL on Saturday: Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions with playoff seeding at stake
Recommendation
-
When does Spirit Christmas open? What to know about Spirit Halloween’s new holiday venture
-
'Unimaginable': Long Island police searching for person who stabbed dog 17 times
-
Amtrak detective, New York State trooper save elderly couple, pets from burning RV
-
The Rest of the Story, 2023
-
Love Is Blind’s Chelsea Blackwell Reacts to Megan Fox’s Baby News
-
Vehicle crashes on NJ parkway; the driver dies in a shootout with police while 1 officer is wounded
-
Pair of former Detroit Tigers scouts sue team alleging age discrimination
-
One day after Ukraine hits Russian warship, Russian drone and artillery attacks knock out power in Kherson