Sabalenka holds off Pegula to win US Open title

Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka finally lifted the trophy in New York after years of near calls, defeating American sixth seed Jessica Pegula 7-5 7-5 in the US Open women's final on Saturday.

Sabalenka won her maiden title at Flushing Meadows, a year after losing in the final. She has previously made it to the semi-finals twice. She shut out the deafening applause for the hometown favourite at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday as she broke Pegula in the last game.

"So many times I thought I was so close to get U.S. Open title. Finally, I get this beautiful trophy," said the second seed, who recovered from a breakdown in both sets to win and collapsed on the court in her moment of glory.

Pegula, 30, had waited a long time to reach her first major final, and she arrived in New York in top form after winning in Toronto. Despite the New York crowd's enthusiastic support, she was unable to match her opponent's raw force.

"To be standing here in my first Grand Slam final and then coming off such a hot summer, I mean I didn't expect it so I'm just really grateful for the last few weeks of tennis," said Pegula.

Due to heavy rain, the roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium was closed, and the players switched breaks twice as they settled into the stormy affair in front of a celebrity-packed crowd.

Sabalenka maintained her service through a four-deuce 11th game and battled through a nerve-racking 12th, combining precision at the net with her typical strength from the baseline before breaking her opponent on the fifth set point.

Pegula struggled with her rackets throughout the match, complaining to her coaches that she couldn't find the appropriate tension on her strings, and it appeared like she wouldn't fight back in the second set when Sabalenka led 3-0.

The American found a new level and drove spectators to their feet by winning the following five games in a stunning comeback, a month after Sabalenka denied her the title in Cincinnati.

Sabalenka levelled the match in the tenth game with a forehand winner that just brushed the line on break point, and she sought to conclude it quickly by holding service and then putting pressure from the baseline in the last game.

Sabalenka's backhand return of Pegula's 30-40 serve sparked a tense six-shot rally that ended with a break as the American's forehand soared out.

"Honestly, after me leading 3-love I didn't really expect her to come back with such a high level," she said.

"I'm really glad that I was able to hold my serve in that 5-3 down. Then to break her back, it gave me so much belief that I can close this match in two sets."

Sabalenka burst into tears as she won her third Grand Slam championship, following her two victories at the Australian Open. She ran up the stands, high-fiving fans and celebrating with her squad.

"I remember all those tough loses in the past here and you know, it's going to sound cheesy but never give up on your dream and just keep trying," she said.

The Belarussian dropped only one set in New York on her way to the final, as key contenders such as defending champion Coco Gauff and top seed Iga Swiatek were eliminated.

The performance was particularly satisfying considering an injury stopped her in the middle of the season, causing her to miss 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.

Sabalenka's relationship with the Flushing Meadows fans has been up and down since she faced another home hope, Gauff, in the title game a year ago.

She playfully offered the rowdy ticket-holders a free round of drinks if they supported her after sending another American, Emma Navarro, packing in the semi-finals this time.

There was no indication of her picking up the bar tab on Saturday, despite the fact that she won $3.6 million, but the New York crowd gave her the respect she deserved as she lifted the trophy she had coveted for so long.

"Of course I expected you to cheer for Jessica. That wouldn't be normal if you would cheer for me," she told the fans in her post-match remarks.

"Thank you so much for all the support throughout these two incredible weeks. You guys are really amazing and you make this place very special."

On Sunday, Taylor Fritz will look to end a 21-year American men's major drought against Italian top seed Jannik Sinner in the men's final.

SportsLigue