Tennis Sabalenka survives Pegula storm to win US Open women’s title By Reuters

Written by Amy Tennery

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus lifted the trophy in New York at last after years of close matches, as she beat American sixth seed Jessica Pegula 7-5 7-5 in the US Open women’s final on Saturday.

Sabalenka won her first title at Flushing Meadows a year after missing the final. Twice before, he reached the semi-finals. On Saturday, he prevented the home favorite at Arthur Ashe Stadium from breaking Pegula in the final game.

“Many times I thought I was so close to getting the US Open title. Finally, I get this beautiful trophy,” said the second player, who fought for a break in both sets to win and fell on the court in his turn. of victory.

Pegula, 30, had waited a long time to reach her first major final and arrived in New York in good form after winning in Toronto. But he couldn’t match his opponent’s raw power despite the vociferous support of the New York crowd.

“To be here in my first Grand Slam final and coming off a hot summer, I mean I didn’t expect it so I’m really thankful for the last few weeks of tennis,” said Pegula.

The roof of the Arthur Ashe Stadium was closed due to heavy rain and the players traded doubles as they clashed in front of a house full of celebrities.

Sabalenka held her match in the 11th game for four deuces and fought back in the 12th, combining accuracy at the net with her usual power from the baseline before breaking her opponent in the fifth.

Pegula was struggling with her rackets during the match, complaining to her coaches that she couldn’t seem to get the right tension on her string, and it looked like she wouldn’t fight in the second set when Sabalenka went 3-0 up.

The American found another level and brought the fans to their feet as he won the next five games in a heated fight, a month after Sabalenka denied him the title in Cincinnati.

Sabalenka equalized when she sent a forehand winner down the line in the 10th game and looked to end the contest quickly, holding serve and applying pressure from the baseline in the final game.

Sabalenka’s return from Pegula’s 30-40 game sparked a fierce shooting rally, which ended in a break as the American’s forehand sailed away.

“To be honest, after I led 3-love I didn’t expect them to come back with such a high level,” he said.

“I’m very happy that I was able to hold my serve at 5-3 down. Then I patted him on the back, it gave me a lot of confidence that I can close this match in two sets.”

The tears quickly fell for Sabalenka as she claimed her third Grand Slam title after winning the Australian Open twice. He was joined by a large crowd of fans as he ran up the stands to share a joyous celebration with his team.

“I remember all these painful things that failed in the past here and you know, it will feel good but don’t forget your dream and keep trying,” he said.

The Belarusian dropped just one set in New York en route to the final as key rivals including defending champion Coco Gauff and top seed Iga Swiatek pulled out.

The performance was particularly impressive after an injury sidelined him mid-season, and he missed Wimbledon and the Paris Games.

“I’m very proud of myself, I’m very proud of my team that no matter what, no matter what situation we faced this season and in the past we were able to get through it,” he said.

FANS WELCOME HIM

Sabalenka has had an up-and-down relationship with the Flushing Meadows crowd after finding herself courting another local prospect, Gauff, in last year’s tournament.

She jokingly offered free drinks to rabble-rousing ticket holders if they would support her after she dispatched another American, Emma Navarro, in a packed semi-final this time around.

There was no sign of him taking the bar on Saturday – as he collected a cool $3.6 million for the win – but the New York crowd gave him the respect he deserved as he lifted the trophy he’d long coveted.

“Yes, I expected you to cheer for Jessica. That would not be normal if you cheer for me,” he told fans during his comments after the game.

“Thank you so much for supporting us for these two amazing weeks. You are truly amazing and make this place so special.”

American fans have another domestic prospect to cheer on Sunday, when Taylor Fritz aims to end the American men’s 21-year major drought against top seeded Italian Jannik Sinner in the men’s final.