Aryna Sabalenka shared a heartfelt message with Jessica Pegula after winning the Cincinnati Open.
During a summer in which she suffered from injury and tough losses, the Belarusian rediscovered her best form in Ohio.
Sabalenka defeated World number one Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula on the way to claiming her first WTA 1000 title of the season.
She battled an in-form player and the American crowd in the final, but Belarusian rose above the challenges to win her first title since January’s Australian Open.
What did Aryna Sabalenka say to Jessica Pegula at the Cincinnati Open?
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Pegula for the fifth time in seven meetings when they met in the Cincinnati Open final.
Pegula was aiming to become the first woman since Evonne Goolagong in 1973 to win both the Canada and Cincinnati titles in the same season.
But facing Sabalenka, who is back to her best, was always going to be the toughest test of these past two weeks for the World number six.
She fought valiantly but Sabalenka powered to a 6-3, 7-5 win and in the process regained the World number two ranking from Coco Gauff.
During the trophy presentation, Sabalenka shared some kind words about Pegula, who is currently playing her best tennis of the season.
“Speeches are definitely not my superpower but I’ll try my best. Thank you for a great match Jessica. I’m very happy to see you back at your top level,” she said. “You did such a great job the last few weeks. A title and a final. That’s really an achievement.
“I want to congratulate you and your team on the incredible work you’ve done. As you said, I’m sure we’re gonna have many more battles in the future. Let’s just keep it up, right?”
Aryna Sabalenka bulbs momentum ahead of the US Open after Cincinnati Open title win
Pegula found herself behind after her serve was broken in the fourth game of the first set.
She went on to lose set one, and found herself a break down in the second as Sabalenka served for the match at 5-4.
But the 30-year-old battled back and levelled the set at 5-5, but the Belarusian did not panic and reclaimed the break of serve before serving to become the Cincinnati Open champion at the second attempt.
During a tough summer in which she has battled injury, Sabalenka is now in ominous form on the eve of the US Open, where she lost in the final a year ago.
“This trophy means a lot, it is a really big achievement, especially coming after injury, with this fear of getting injured again,” Sabalenka told Sky Sports.
“My team did everything they could to make sure I felt as good as I can and I am proud of myself that I was able to handle all of those emotions.”
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