Aryna Sabalenka has conquered the third Major of her career in New York. After the double victory at the Australian Open (2023 and 2024), Sabalenka has now triumphed for the first time in her career also at the US Open, avenging the defeat suffered last year against Coco Gauff.
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After the victory in straight sets against Jessica Pegula, Aryna analyzed her great victory, praising her American rival and sharing the feelings she felt after this sensational triumph.
"I am speechless right now, it is difficult to express myself. Tonight I thought on many occasions how close I was in the past to winning the US Open title, it has always been a dream of mine and finally I won this beautiful tournament, finally I managed to get my hands on the trophy. It means a lot to me," she said.
The Belarusian then spent beautiful words for her American rival: "Jess, you are showing fantastic tennis, it is difficult to digest the defeat in a final. I know something about it too but I am sure that you will play other Slam finals."
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Sabalenka won 7-5 7-5 but in the second set, after going 3-0 with a 4-0 point, she found herself down 3-5.
"In the second set I was a little afraid that the situation could be reversed this time too," she explained.
The reference is to the final lost last year at the hands of Coco Gauff after Sabalenka had won the first set.
"This title has a special taste for me, they are tears of joy not like those of last year. I remember all the defeats of the past, it is not easy but you must always believe in your dreams, if you sacrifice everything for a dream one day you will achieve it, you work hard but I am super proud of myself and my team. I thank my box without you here I would not exist, I do not say it often but this is the right time to tell you."
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On the New York crowd that obviously cheered Pegula, Aryna analyzed: "I loved your cheering and your support, sorry for Jessica and I understand it but thank you for the support of these two incredible weeks. It is a beautiful place New York, I love playing here."
