Sabalenka overpowers Pegula to become 2024 US Open Champion

A US Open finalist last year, Aryna Sabalenka, had a lot to prove. But the Miami-based resident from Belarus wasn't facing the young and plucky Coco Gauff this year. Her opponent this year would be the 30 year-old Boca Raton-based Jessica Pegula.

Interestingly Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed, is riding a 12-match hard-court winning streak, after winning the Cincinnati Open two weeks ago, and beating Pegula in the process. Pegula has been on a roll too. Before losing the Cincinnati Open to Sabalenka, she had successfully defended her title at the WTA 1000 tournament in Toronto.

Above: As is usually the case in a Sabalenka match, she came out firing hard, and did not ease up. Photo: Todd Pechter from Florida Tennis.

Yesterday's final was held under a closed roof due to rain. Regardless, Sabalenka's immense power was on full display as she took down the No. 6-seeded Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in convincing fashion.

Although she didn't pull off the win, Pegula should be proud — on Monday she'll move up three spots to No. 3 in the world. “If I can't take confidence from this, there's got to be something wrong,” Pegula said after the match.

Above: Jessica Pegula found it no easy task chasing down the fast-paced shots off the racket of Aryna Sabalenka in last night's Women's final. Photo: Todd Pechter from Florida Tennis.

Sabalenka, on the other hand, will stay put at No. 2 while Poland's Iga Swiatek keeps a tight grip on the No. 1 spot. But the hard-hitter was filled with emotion and pride after winning the championship.

"After I lost my father, it's always been my goal to put our family name in the history of tennis," Sabalenka said. "Every time I see my name on that trophy, I'm so proud of myself, I'm proud of my family that they never gave up on my dream and that they were doing everything they could to keep me going."

Above: To the victors go.... well you know.  And in addition, Sabalenka earned a cool $3.6 million for the victory, while Pegula has to console herself with $1.8 million in defeat. Photo: Todd Pechter from Florida Tennis.

She added, "Now, finally, we are having this beautiful trophy. I don't know how to describe that feeling. You're crying, you're laughing, you feel all these emotions at the same time. That's the best feeling. I really wish everyone could or can experience that."

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Written by Florida Tennis Editor and Publisher Matt Pressman with additional reporting from Florida Tennis contributor Todd Pechter. Top photo: Todd Pechter from Florida Tennis.