"I'm just super proud of myself" - Aryna Sabalenka revels in glory after overcoming 2023 heartbreak to win US Open 2024 title against Jessica Pegula
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula in the 2024 US Open women's singles final. In 2023, she experienced heartbreak as she lost to Coco Gauff in the final but the Belarusian did not give up on her dream. She said that she was "super proud" of herself for finally winning the title.
Second-seed Sabalenka took on sixth-seed Pegula in the summit clash at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday, September 7. The highly anticipated encounter drew a star-studded crowd, featuring NBA legend Steph Curry, F1 icon Lewis Hamilton, and Paris Olympics gold medalist Noah Lyles, among many others in the stands.
Pegula broke Sabalenka early in the match to go up 2-1, but the Belarusian responded by winning four games in a row to lead 5-2. Though the American rallied and made a comeback, a crucial break at 6-5 allowed Sabalenka to secure the first set.
The second set unfolded in three phases. Sabalenka was quick off the blocks, winning the first three games, but Pegula rallied to win five in a row. However, the Belarusian had the final say as she won four consecutive games to complete a 7-5, 7-5 victory.
In the 2023 US Open final, Sabalenka came agonizingly close before losing to Gauff 6-2, 3-6, 2-6. She teared up then in defeat, but this year she teared up in joy and triumph.
During her on-court interview after defeating Pegula, Sabalenka reflected on her past losses. She also expressed immense pride in herself for not giving up on her dreams.
"You know everything I'm thinking, I remember all those stuff, losses in the past here and, and you know, just, it's gonna sound easy but never give up on your dream and just keep, keep trying, keep working hard," Sabalenka said.
"And, if you're really working hard and you're sacrificing everything for your dream, you're gonna get it one day. So I'm just, I'm just super proud of myself. I never say that. But really guys, I'm super proud of myself," she added.
Aryna Sabalenka becomes fifth woman in Open Era to win two hard court Grand Slam titles in same season after her US Open win over Jessica Pegula
Aryna Sabalenka's 2024 US Open triumph over Jessica Pegula adds to her 2024 Australian Open triumph in January. She becomes only the fifth woman in the Open Era to win two singles Grand Slam titles on hard courts in the same season.
She has joined former World No. 1s and some of the greatest women to have played the game, including Steffi Graf (1988 and 1989), Monica Seles (1991 and 1992), Martina Hingis (1997), and Angelique Kerber (2016).
Furthermore, Sabalenka's US Open victory capped off a remarkable year for her. She finished the season tied with Jasmine Paolini for the most women's singles wins at Grand Slams in 2024, with an impressive total of 18.