(New York) Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in the U.S. Open final on Saturday to win her third career Grand Slam title.
The 26-year-old Belarusian adds this trophy to those she won at the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024.
The victory also allows her to leave Flushing Meadows in a much better mood than when she lost to American Coco Gauff in last year’s final.
PHOTO MIKE SEGAR, REUTERS
Jessica Pegula and Jessica Pegula
Pegula, who hails from New York, was playing in her first career Grand Slam final. She has won 15 of her last 17 matches, but her two losses came in finals against Sabalenka.
Second-seeded Sabalenka looked in complete control as she won five straight games to take the first set and lead 3-0 in the second, but Pegula made things interesting from then on.
In the next play, Pegula lost a point and showed his frustration by hitting a ball against the wall behind the baseline, dislodging a small square backboard.
PHOTO SETH WENIG, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Jessica Pegula
The 30-year-old American appeared less tense after that and suddenly took control, winning five games in a row of her own. But when she served at 5-4 with a chance to force a third set, Pegula let Sabalenka make it 5-5 with the break.