Aryna Sabalenka is the 2024 US Open women’s champion, having battled remarkably well to defeat Jessica Pegula in straight sets.
Going into the match, the American was enjoying the form of her life, having won in Toronto, reached the final in Cincinnati and now found her way to a career-first Grand Slam final too.
Breaking all kinds of personal records, there was a real belief that she might upset the world number two despite Aryna Sabalenka being the heavy favourite.
Alas, it was not to be, and the 26-year-old finally lifted the title she has coveted for so long.
Aryna Sabalenka reacts after winning the 2024 US Open title
Speaking on court after her triumphant straight-sets win, which saw her claim a third Grand Slam title and a first in New York, the Belarusian was unsurprisingly delighted.
It marked a real contrast from this time last year, when she was left in tears after losing at this same stage to Coco Gauff.
Having levelled up her mindset since then to unbelievable levels, every time she steps onto the court she seems determined and unflappable, but also like she is really enjoying herself too.
Sabalenka had some choice words for the US Open crowd after her triumph in the final, having enjoyed a comically turbulent relationship throughout the week after beating two Americans on her way to the trophy.
As they whipped up a frenzy to celebrate her after the match though, she admitted: ‘Oh my god I’m speechless right now because like you said, so many times I felt I was so close to getting the US Open title, it was a dream of mine. Finally I’ve got this beautiful trophy, it means a lot. It was a very difficult couple of weeks.’
Aryna Sabalenka deserves this more than anyone
With the last few years she has endured, both on and off the court, it really feels like nobody deserves this triumph more than Sabalenka.
A true fighter who has overcome almighty adversity to get to where she is today, the three-time Grand Slam champion showcased how far she has come when comparing this year to the last.
There, she was overcome with emotion, apologised to her family, and jokingly fired her team after the result.
She took it well, but it was a really sad day as she completely imploded to blow her one-set lead in the final.
Clearly having learned from that, her foot never came off the gas as she stormed through Jessica Pegula with relative ease to finally capture a new Grand Slam to add to her collection.
With all that she has gone through, particularly off the court, this felt like vindication for Sabalenka.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
