Aryna Sabalenka overcame the heartbreak of dropping final 12 months’s title to win the U.S. Open in opposition to residence hope Jessica Pegula at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Sabalenka misplaced to Coco Gauff 12 months in the past however gained a Grand Slam with a dramatic 7-5 7-5 victory over Pegula in New York on Saturday.
The Belarusian threatened to repeat her errors in some tense moments, however this was her second as she claimed her third Grand Slam title after profitable back-to-back Australian Open titles.
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Sabalenka hits second-set winner with daring backhand volley
Sabalenka appeared to be in full management of the match. She gained the primary set in 5 consecutive video games and led 3-0 within the second set earlier than New York native Pegula made a comeback.
The 30-year-old American instantly got here into his personal, profitable 5 video games in a row.
However when she had an opportunity to storm the third set whereas serving at 5-4, she ran out of steam, permitting Sabalenka to degree the second set.
It was a part of Sabalenka’s three-game finale, and he or she quickly collapsed on the court docket, dropping her racket and mendacity on her again, protecting her face along with her arms.
Sabalenka: I am speechless; US Open is my dream
Sky Sports activities tennis champion Sabalenka courtside…
“I’ve nothing to say proper now as a result of I have been so near profitable the U.S. Open a whole lot of instances.
“That is my dream, I lastly acquired this lovely trophy.
“It has been a extremely robust few weeks. Jessica has performed some great tennis and I am fairly positive you will get a Grand Slam sooner or later and extra! Congratulations on an ideal summer season.
“The second set, I used to be actually praying to win this. It means so much.
“I keep in mind all of the robust losses I’ve had right here previously. I am very happy with myself, I’ve by no means mentioned that, however I’m. I am very happy with myself and my staff.
“It doesn’t matter what conditions we’ve confronted this season and previously, we’ve been capable of get by it and get these lovely trophies.”
Pegula: I did not count on to be right here; Sabalenka is one of the best participant on the planet on laborious courts
Pegula Courtside to Sky Sports activities Tennis…
“It has been a extremely unimaginable month for me. I had a tough begin to the 12 months however I used to be actually capable of flip it round.
“To have the ability to stand right here and play in my first Grand Slam closing, I did not count on this, I am simply very grateful, I did not count on this.
“I hope she will at the least get me a set! She could be very highly effective and one of the best laborious court docket participant on the planet.
“I fought again and gave myself an opportunity, nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient.”
What’s on Sky Sports activities Tennis in September?
- Tunisia Jasmine Open – WTA 250 (September 9-15)
- Guadalajara Open, Mexico – WTA 500 (September 9-15)
- Korea Open – WTA 500 (September 16-22 – Emma Raducanu competes)
- Thailand Open – WTA 250 (September 16-22)
Sky Sports activities+ is formally launched and might be merged into sky tvStreaming providers Now and Sky Sports Appthis 12 months Sky Sports activities clients can watch greater than 50% of reside sports activities occasions at no cost. Learn more here.
