Aryna Sabalenka secured her third Grand Slam title on Saturday by winning the US Open, overcoming Jessica Pegula in a dramatic final. The World No. 2 triumphed with a 7-5, 7-5 victory, adding the US Open crown to her two Australian Open titles. It was a fierce battle, with Pegula mounting a spirited comeback in the second set, but Sabalenka ultimately prevailed.
The 26-year-old Belarusian dominated with 40 winners, becoming the first woman since Angelique Kerber in 2016 to claim both hardcourt Grand Slam titles in the same season. Despite facing some early challenges, including a break by Pegula in the second game, Sabalenka quickly recovered and took control of the match. She broke Pegula's serve twice in the first set and held on to close it out after a tense 12th game.
Pegula, known for her resilience, fought hard throughout the match. After falling behind 2-5 in the second set, she rallied to level the score at 5-5. However, Sabalenka's relentless power and precision were too much for the American, who had previously upset World No. 1 Iga Swiatek and battled past Karolina Muchova in the semifinals. Pegula's efforts were not enough to prevent Sabalenka from sealing the win.
The crowd of 23,000, including sports stars like Olympic champion Noah Lyles, NBA's Steph Curry, and former F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, largely supported Pegula. Despite the backing, Sabalenka's aggressive play under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium proved overwhelming. Her ability to produce big shots at crucial moments, particularly in the final stages of each set, ultimately made the difference.
Sabalenka's victory is another milestone in her impressive 2023 season, which included a runner-up finish at the US Open last year. This win marks her continued rise in women's tennis, solidifying her position as one of the top players in the world, while Pegula’s strong performance signals she remains a formidable contender on the biggest stages.
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