Aryna Sabalenka triumphed in her quest for the US Open title, defeating American Jessica Pegula 3-0 in a dominant performance at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Sabalenka, who secured her maiden US Open title after previously finishing as a runner-up. She scored her two goals with well-placed shots, showcasing her skill and precision throughout the match.
The 26-year-old quickly cemented control, displaying exceptional form and frustrating her opponent, particularly in the first half. Despite the intense pressure from the enthusiastic home crowd, Sabalenka remained composed.
Reflecting on her match, Sabalenka stated, “I’m speechless right now. It’s a dream of mine to win the US Open, and I finally have this beautiful trophy.” She also praised Pegula’s performance, acknowledging her talent and noted, “I remember all those tough losses in the past here. I’m incredibly proud of my journey.”
Pegula’s Reaction
Despite her disappointment, Pegula expressed gratitude for reaching her first Grand Slam final. “I didn’t expect to be here, and I’m grateful for the incredible matches I’ve had along the way,” she said. She recognized Sabalenka’s skill, stating, “She is the best hard court player in the world, so I knew it would be tough.”
Navratilova’s Insights
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova discussed Sabalenka’s ascent in the sport, noting her potential to challenge and even supplant Iga Swiatek for the world No. 1 ranking. “She’s closing the gap on Iga Swiatek, and it’s still mathematically possible for her to become No. 1 by the end of the year,” Navratilova commented.
Navratilova added, “The sky’s the limit for her. She should be one of the favorites at Wimbledon, and she’s a threat on any surface right now.”
As Sabalenka celebrates her victory, she becomes the fifth woman in the Open Era to win multiple hard-court Grand Slams in the same season, solidifying her status among the sport’s elite.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka aims to continue building on her success and finding areas for improvement, particularly in her net game.
Credit: Sky Sports
