Aryna Sabalenka Beats Jessica Pegula For US Open Title

Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka has won the US Open Women’s Singles Final. Held on Saturday at  New York City’s Arthur Ashe Stadium, the match saw the No. 2 player beat American Jessica Pegula, 7-5, 7-5. This victory marks Sabalenka’s first ever US Open title and her third Grand Slam singles overall. 

The 26-year-old player redeemed her US Open final result last year, when she lost to another homegrown player, Coco Gauff. She also came close a few times before, having reached the semifinals in 2021 and 2022. 

“It’s always been a dream of mine. Finally, I got this beautiful trophy,” she said. “After I lost my father, it’s always been my goal to put our family name in the history of tennis.”

Sabalenka has now won 12 consecutive matches against No. 6 Pegula. The 30-year-old did put in a worthy fight, however, considering she’d been forced to miss several tournaments this year – including French Open – due to injury. During the second set, the American nearly sent the match to a third set when she won five straight games before Sabalenka regained her lead in the end. 

“It’s been an incredible month for me, really,” Pegula said. “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, and then coming off such a hot summer, I didn’t expect it. I’m just really grateful for the last few weeks of tennis and some incredible matches I’ve been able to put together.”

As for Sabalenka, it’s time to celebrate. Asked about her plan after the victorious match, she joyfully answered: “A lot of drinks.” 

“I need to feel this relief,” she quipped. “I hope we’re going to have a lot of fun with my team.”

Watch the highlights from the match below.

Watch some photos celebrating Aryna’s victory below.