Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka hoisted the trophy in New York at last after years of close calls, as she outplayed 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 coming up short in the final. Twice before, she reached the semi-finals. On Saturday, she blocked out the wild cheers for the hometown favourite at Arthur Ashe Stadium to break Pegula in the final game.
"So many times I thought I was so close to get US Open title. Finally, I get this beautiful trophy," said the second seed, who fought back from a breakdown in both sets to claim victory and fell to the court in her moment of triumph.
Pegula, 30, had waited a long time to reach her first major final and came to New York in fine form after winning in Toronto. But she could not match her opponent’s raw power despite the noisy backing of the New York crowd.
The roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium was closed due to heavy rain and the players traded breaks twice as they settled into the stormy affair in front of a celebrity-packed house.
The Belarusian dropped only one set in New York on her way to the final as key contenders including defending champion Coco Gauff and top seed Iga Swiatek crashed out.
The performance was particularly sweet after injury sidelined her midway through the season, and she missed both Wimbledon and the Paris Games.
"I'm super proud of myself, super proud of my team that no matter what, no matter what situation we were facing this season and in the past we were able to go through it," she said.
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