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Aryna Sabalenka overcame the heartbreak of losing last year’s title by finally landing the US Open title with victory against home hope Jessica Pegula on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Sabalenka, who lost out to Coco Gauff 12 months ago, earned redemption as she landed the big one in New York with a dramatic 7-5 7-5 victory against Pegula on Saturday.
The Belarusian threatened a repeat of that wobble with some nervy moments, but this was her time as she collected her third Grand Slam title having won back-to-back Australian Open titles.
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Sabalenka somehow produced an audacious backhand volley winner in the second set
Sabalenka appeared in full control when she reeled off five consecutive games to grab the opening set and move ahead 3-0 in the second, before native New Yorker Pegula mounted a comeback.
The 30-year-old American suddenly asserted herself, going on her own five-game run.
But when she served at 5-4 with a chance to force a third set, she lost momentum, allowing Sabalenka to level the second.
That was part of a three-game, match-ending surge for Sabalenka, who soon was collapsing to the court, dropping her racket and covering her face with both arms while lying on her back.
Sabalenka: I’m speechless; The US Open has been a dream of mine
Champion Sabalenka courtside on Sky Sports Tennis…
“I’m speechless right now, because so many times I was so close to getting the US Open title.
“It’s a dream of mine, and finally I’ve got this beautiful trophy.
“It’s been a really difficult couple of weeks. Jessica played some amazing tennis and I’m more than sure that one day you’re going to get one Grand Slam, maybe more! Congratulations on a great summer.
“That second set, I was literally praying to get this win. It means a lot.
“I remember all those tough losses in the past here. I’m just super proud of myself, and I never say that, but I am. I’m super proud of myself and my team.
“No matter what situations we were faced this season and in the past, we were able to go through it and get these beautiful trophies.”
Pegula: I didn’t expect to be here; Sabalenka the best on hard court in the world
Pegula courtside to Sky Sports Tennis…
“It’s been an incredible month for me really. I had a rough start to the year but was really able to turn it around.
“To be able to be standing here in my first Grand Slam final, I didn’t expect it and I’m just so grateful and didn’t expect it.
“I wish she would have at least let me get one set! She’s super powerful and the best hard court player in the world.
“I fought back and gave myself a chance, but it wasn’t enough.”
What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis in September?
- Jasmin Open, Tunisia – WTA 250 (9-15 September)
- Guadalajara Open, Mexico – WTA 500 (9-15 September)
- Korea Open – WTA 500 (16 -22 September – with Emma Raducanu in action)
- Thailand Open – WTA 250 (16 -22 September)
Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.
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