Wat-Not Staff
Aryna Sabalenka claimed her third Grand Slam singles title at the U.S. Open, defeating American Jessica Pegula in straight sets (7-5, 7-5) in a hard-fought final at New York’s Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday. The 26-year-old Belarusian, who has won three major titles in the past 20 months, overcame personal and professional challenges throughout the 2024 season to secure her first U.S. Open trophy, marking another milestone in her stellar career.
Sabalenka’s Resilience Shines Through a Tumultuous Season
Aryna Sabalenka’s 2024 season was nothing short of challenging, filled with personal and professional setbacks. The Belarusian player had to overcome the devastating loss of her former boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, who passed away tragically earlier this year. Despite their separation before his death, the emotional toll was significant. Adding to the difficulty were various illnesses and injuries that affected her performance in major tournaments like the French Open, Berlin Ladies Open, and Wimbledon.
Despite these challenges, Sabalenka displayed remarkable resilience, culminating in her victory at the U.S. Open. Her triumph at Flushing Meadows marks her third Grand Slam title in just 20 months, a testament to her never-give-up attitude. “If you’re really working hard and you’re sacrificing everything for your dream, you’re going to get it one day,” Sabalenka said post-match, reflecting on her perseverance.
Pegula’s Grand Slam Breakthrough Amid Personal Triumphs
Jessica Pegula, the unexpected finalist, had her own moment of victory despite not clinching the title. The 30-year-old American reached her first-ever Grand Slam final, battling her way through tough opponents, including a dramatic semifinal win against Karolina Muchova. Pegula, known for her humility despite her family’s wealth, captured the hearts of New Yorkers by opting to commute via subway to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, further endearing herself to fans.
Pegula’s rise to the final adds another milestone to her steadily improving career. Having previously reached quarterfinals at Wimbledon and the French and Australian Opens, her appearance in the U.S. Open final signals her potential for more success on the grand stage. “To be able to be standing here in my first Grand Slam final, I’m grateful,” Pegula said graciously after the match.
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