• Source:JND
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US Open 2024: The second-seeded player Aryna Sabalenka captured her third Grand Slam singles crown and her first in New York City, overpowering sixth-seeded Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in the 2024 US Open final.

Sabalenka won an exhilarating meeting at Arthur Ashe Stadium, after nearly two hours of play.

"It's also very special place here, the US Open. I also had a lot of tough losses in the past. I was always hoping that one day I'd be able to hold this beautiful trophy. It's been always my dream," Sabalenka said in her postmatch press conference as quoted by WTA.

"That's why it's very special, because no matter what, every time I was coming back stronger, and I was learning, I never gave up on this dream, and yeah, you know, it means a lot," she added.

The first set featured close rallies, with both players dominating on second-serve returns. Sabalenka suffered a setback when she failed to serve out the set at 5-4, but she rebounded by winning a marathon 14-point game to go up 6-5, weathering a break point with a clasp deep backhand winner.

The following game was equally compelling, with Pegula saving four set points and earning a game point with a powerful serve. Sabalenka's determination, however, bore positive results when she scored a key drop volley winner after a long rally, and she later capitalized on a Pegula double fault to take the first set with a particular backhand angle.

After trailing behind 3-0 in the second set, Pegula scripted a spectacular comeback, winning five straight games to serve for the set 5-4. However, Sabalenka refused to let up, firing a backhand winner to tie the set at 5-5.

With momentum on her side, Sabalenka kept her nerves, breaking Pegula on her second match point to win the title. Sabalenka slumped to the court in jubilation after triumphing with a decisive forehand, her fierce play playing a part in her hard-fought triumph.

"I don't know how to describe that feeling. You're crying, you're laughing, you're just, you know, you feel all these emotions at the same time. That's the best feeling. I really wish everyone could or can experience that," Sabalenka said.