Aryna Sabalenka won her first US Open title as she put the disappointment of last year’s final behind her to hold off home hope Jessica Pegula.
Sabalenka was seen smashing her racquet on the floor of the locker room after losing the Flushing Meadows showpiece to Coco Gauff 12 months ago.
But the Belarusian second seed dropped to the floor in celebration after clinching a thrilling 7-5 7-5 win over New York-born Pegula to secure her third Grand Slam singles title.
It continues Sabalenka’s dominance on hard courts, with the win over the sixth seed extending her unbeaten run on the surface at major tournaments to 14 matches.
The 26-year-old ran up to her player’s box to celebrate the victory, hugging her team and jokingly slapping the head of her strength and conditioning coach Jason Stacy, who had a replica of Sabalenka’s tiger tattoo printed on the area.
For Pegula, the wait for a first major title goes on.
Playing in a first Grand Slam singles final, the 30-year-old was buoyed by a partisan crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium and made a late surge to halt Sabalenka.
But Sabalenka fought back from a 5-3 defecit in the second set before wrapping up victory after one hour and 53 minutes.
More to follow.
Read More: US Open women’s final 2024: Aryna Sabalenka holds off Jessica Pegula to win third Grand Slam
