Aryna Sabalenka has beaten Jessica Pegula to win the US Open final and the third Grand Slam title of her career.
US Open second seed Sabalenka overcame home favourite Pegula, the sixth seed, 7-5, 7-5 at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
Sabalenka has followed in the footsteps of Serena Williams with her latest Grand Slam victory, with her other two titles having come at the Australian Open.
The Belarusian proved too strong for Pegula in Queens, beating her opponent in 1 hour and 53 minutes under a closed roof due to the rain.
It represents a superb recovery from the world number two, with Sabalenka left in tears after losing last year’s final to Coco Gauff.
Andy Roddick reacts as Aryna Sabalenka beats Jessica Pegula in the US Open final
Carlos Alcaraz has congratulated Sabalenka after the success, with 2003 US Open champion Andy Roddick now getting in on the act.
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Congratulating both finalists, Roddick wrote on X: “Aryna Sabalenka seems to get better and better with intentional work and grit. All without ever losing her sense of humour. Cheers to the champ.
“Also huge props to Jessica Pegula. Someone who just keeps putting progress as the North Star. Class class class. As gracious as they make ’em. Thanks for the battle!”
Is this the first of many US Open titles for Aryna Sabalenka?
Sabalenka may have had an unwanted 2023 flashback after taking the first set against Pegula, having done the same thing against Gauff.
But her American opponent from last year quickly turned on the charm to secure a 6-2, 3-6, 2-6 victory and her maiden Grand Slam title.
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A rematch was ruled out at the round of 16 stage, with the defending champion losing to compatriot Emma Navarro.
That certainly wasn’t the only early shock, with men’s defending champion Novak Djokovic and fellow star Alcaraz falling in the third and second rounds respectively.
Sabalenka meanwhile stood fierce, dropping just one set on her way to a first US Open title, with many more likely to follow in the years to come.
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