Aryna Sabalenka solidified her reputation as the world’s best hard-court player by capturing her first US Open title. In a thrilling final, Sabalenka overcame a tough challenge from American Jessica Pegula, who made her work hard for the victory.
The match was a battle of wills, and at times Sabalenka may have feared a repeat of last year’s final against Coco Gauff, where she struggled with unforced errors and lost control. However, this time Sabalenka maintained her composure even when Pegula threatened a comeback after losing the first set.
Ultimately, Sabalenka, known for the tiger tattoo on her arm, displayed her trademark power and determination, winning the match 7-5, 7-5. She sealed the victory with a commanding dash to the net, a strategy that proved highly effective, earning her 18 out of 23 net points. After securing the final point, Sabalenka celebrated by climbing into the stands to share the moment with her team.
Sabalenka’s road to this victory had been challenging. A shoulder injury had sidelined her from both Wimbledon and the Olympic Games, impacting her ability to serve. Yet, in this match, her serve was a weapon, peaking at an impressive 119 mph.
The match at times felt like a heavyweight facing a bantamweight, with Sabalenka’s raw power on display. However, Pegula showed resilience, pushing the contest further than many expected. After saving a critical break point early in the second set that would have put her 0-4 down, Pegula rallied with a series of bold forehands and extended her run to win five consecutive games, putting her in position to level the match.
But Sabalenka was not finished. Known for her aggressive style, dubbed “big babe tennis” by commentator Mary Carillo, she halted Pegula’s momentum, holding serve to go 4-3 and then launching her own streak to take control of the set and the match. Pegula earned admiration for her spirited resistance, and while the crowd rooted for her, they also acknowledged Sabalenka’s relentless performance.
Sabalenka’s forehand, among the fastest in the game, has set her apart at this tournament, with her shot speeds surpassing both male and female competitors. Over the past two seasons, she has dominated the hard-court Grand Slams in Melbourne and New York, winning 27 out of 28 matches.
In the world of tennis, Sabalenka has proven herself a force of nature. Following in the footsteps of her compatriot Max Mirnyi, once known as the “Beast of Belarus” for his prowess in doubles, Sabalenka now claims the title of the ultimate “apex predator” in the sport.
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