US Open final LIVE: Aryna Sabalenka v Jessica Pegula result and reaction from gripping women’s final
Sabalenka won a US Open final full of twists and turns 7-5 7-5 to win her third grand slam title
Aryna Sabalenka won her first US Open title and third grand slam after beating home favourite Jessica Pegula to avenge last year’s final defeat.
There was heartbreak for Sabalenka in New York 12 months ago when Coco Gauff battled from a set down to win the US Open final. But a year later, Sabalenka subdued the home crowd and a charging Pegula to win 7-5 7-5.
There were nervy moments, particulary as the American Pegula, playing in her first grand slam final, fought back from 3-0 down to lead 5-3 in the second set. Pegula served to take the match into a third set but, once again, Sabalenka managed to overturn Pegula’s momentum and silence the home crowd
The World No 2 from Belarus adds the US Open title to back-to-back Australian Opens, having defended her crown in Melbourne at the start of the year.
It’s a big weekend for the Americans at the US Open, with home players through to the finals of both the women’s and men’s singles for the first time since 2002. Tomorrow, Taylor Fritz will face World No 1 Jannik Sinner for a shot at his first grand slam title.
Follow all the latest build-up, score updates and reaction from the US Open women’s final below:
Aryna Sabalenka beats Jessica Pegula to earn US Open redemption in gripping final
Aryna Sabalenka earned US Open redemption after she won the women’s title in New York.
The Belarusian suffered one of her darkest days when she lost last year’s final to Coco Gauff.
She threatened a repeat of that wobble with some nervy moments, but this was her time, beating Jessica Pegula 7-5 7-5.
It is her second grand slam title of the year, following victory in Australia, and third in total as she proved herself to be the best hard-court player in the world, with few able to match her power in these conditions.
Aryna Sabalenka beats Jessica Pegula to earn US Open redemption in gripping final
Sabalenka overcame comebacks from Pegula in both sets to win 7-5 7-5 and claim her third grand slam final
When is the US Open men’s final? Jannik Sinner vs Taylor Fritz start time and how to watch on TV
Join us again tomorrow night, when Taylor Fritz has the chance to end a 21-year wait for an American men’s US Open winner against World No 1 Jannik Sinner.
Fritz defeated compatriot Frances Tiafoe in five sets to become the first man to reach the US Open final since Andy Roddick in 2006, and is now one win away from emulating Roddick’s 2003 victory.
Sinner, though, stands as the ultimate test, with the Italian winning his first grand slam title at the Australian Open earlier this year. He is on a 13-match winning run on hard courts at the majors.
When is Jannik Sinner vs Taylor Fritz in the US Open men’s final?
There is an American man in the US Open final for the first time in 18 years and a new champion will be crowned in New York
ARYNA SABALENKA WINS THE US OPEN!
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Aryna Sabalenka 7-5 7-5 Jessica Pegula
Passed over by Billie Jean King, Aryna Sabalenka gets her hands on the US Open trophy, as well as prize money of $3.6m. Not bad.
ARYNA SABALENKA WINS THE US OPEN!
And now for the new US Open champion, Aryna Sabalenka.
“I’m speechless right now. So many times... I thought I was so close to the US Open. It was always my dream. Finally I get this beautiful trophy. It’s been a tough two weeks.
“Jessica, I know how tough it is to lose in the finals. I’m more than sure you’re going to get more than one.
“In the second set, I was just praying.
“Right now, I’m thinking about those tough loses. Never give up and keep working for your dream. I’m super proud of myself and my team. No matter what, we were able to go through it and get all those beautiful trophies.”
ARYNA SABALENKA WINS THE US OPEN!
Stand by for the US Open women’s final trophy presentation, featuring Billie Jean King.
First, Jessica Pegula takes in the applause after a brilliant run to the US Open final, her first grand slam final.
Pegula: “It’s been an incredible month for me. I had a rough start to the year but I managed to turn it around - I really didn’t expect it. I’m grateful.
“I wish she would have let me have one set! We had a tough match in Cincinatti and she’s the best hard court player in the world. She’s super powerful and can take the racket out of your hand.
“I’m proud I was able to stay in it. I was happy I could fight back. It just wasn’t enough.”
ARYNA SABALENKA WINS THE US OPEN!
A final full of twists and turns.
First Set
Sabalenka 5-2 Pegula*
*Sabalenka 5-5 Pegula (BP)
Sabalenka 7-5 Pegula
Second Set
Sabalenka 7-5 3-0 Pegula* (BP)
*Sabalenka 7-5 3-5 Pegula
Sabalenka 7-5 7-5 Pegula
ARYNA SABALENKA WINS THE US OPEN!
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Aryna Sabalenka 7-5 7-5 Jessica Pegula
I thought there was a chance that last year’s US Open final defeat to Coco Gauff was going to repeat itself.
Sabalenka was 3-0 up in the second set, but then unravelled and was left facing 5-3 with Pegula on a roll and looking to take it into a third set.
But Sabalenka then won four games in a row, finding her best level of the match. Elite mentality, as well as ball striking in the biggest moments.
Great final.
ARYNA SABALENKA WINS THE US OPEN!
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Aryna Sabalenka 7-5 7-5 Jessica Pegula
Hugely emotional scenes as Sabalenka goes to her box and celebrates with her team. They are getting used to winning the biggest trophies. This is Sabalenka’s third grand slam title in two years, with the US Open adding to back-to-back Australian Opens.
She is the dominant force on the hard courts.
ARYNA SABALENKA WINS THE US OPEN!
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Aryna Sabalenka 7-5 7-5 Jessica Pegula
ARYNA SABALENKA WINS THE US OPEN!
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Aryna Sabalenka 7-5 7-5 Jessica Pegula
Sabalenka falls onto her back! She is a US Open champion and three-time grand slam winner!
Somehow, she turns around the momentum of that second set in a gripping US Open final. What a match.
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