World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka made a resounding statement at the 2024 U.S. Open, capturing her third major title on hardcourt with a gripping two-set (7-5, 7-5) victory over No. 6 seed Jessica Pegula. The match, held at Arthur Ashe Stadium, showcased the intensity and drama that define the pinnacle of tennis.

The first set was a battle of wills, with both players pushing each other to the limit. Sabalenka initially seemed to have the upper hand, surging to a 5-3 lead. But Pegula, known for her resilience and tenacity, refused to bow out. She mounted a spirited comeback, leveling the score and forcing a tense end to the set. Despite Pegula’s efforts to turn the tide, she faltered at 6-5, unable to hold her serve. This crucial slip allowed Sabalenka to clinch the first set 7-5, narrowly avoiding a tiebreaker.

As the players transitioned into the second set, the tension escalated. Pegula, undeterred by the setback, began to find her rhythm and seized control with a remarkable five-game streak. Her play was sharp, and she managed to edge ahead 5-4, putting her in a prime position to force a decisive third set. The momentum seemed to be shifting in Pegula’s favor, and the crowd, energized by the high stakes, held their breath in anticipation.

Sabalenka’s response was extraordinary. Drawing on her powerful game and unyielding determination, she shifted the momentum back in her favor. With fierce resolve, she stormed back, winning the next two games in rapid succession. This turn of events left Pegula struggling to regain her footing. Sabalenka’s commanding performance in these final moments secured her the second set 7-5 and sealed her victory.

The New Hardcourt Queen

Entering the 2024 U.S. Open, Sabalenka was seen as the heavy favorite, especially after the unexpected upset of third-seeded Coco Gauff by No. 13 Emma Navarro in the third round. Sabalenka, still feeling the sting of her 2023 defeat to Gauff in a grueling three-set final (2-6, 6-3, 6-2), was driven by a quest for redemption. Her sights were set not only on victory but also on making history. The win has brought her within close range of Naomi Osaka’s four hard-court major titles (U.S. Open 2018 and 2020, Australian Open 2019 and 2021) and it makes her the first woman to reach consecutive U.S. Open finals since Serena Williams in 2018 and 2019.

Earlier in the year, Sabalenka had added a significant accolade to her career by winning the Australian Open. She defeated Zheng Qinwen 6–3, 6–2 in the final, claiming her second Australian Open title and further proving her prowess on hard courts.

U.S. Open Sets Record with $75 Million Purse

Sabalenka’s win at the U.S. Open was not just a personal milestone but a historic achievement for the tournament. With a record-setting purse of $75 million, the 2024 U.S. Open boasted the highest payout in tennis history. Sabalenka walked away with the $3.6 million champion’s prize, marking a 20% increase over the previous year’s reward.

The match was watched by a star-studded audience, including 4-time NBA Champion Stephen Curry, freshly crowned Paris 2024 Olympic 100m Gold Medalist Noah Lyles, 2003 U.S. Open Champion Andy Roddick, and the legendary Billie Jean King. Sabalenka’s strong performance and the electrifying atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium have firmly established her dominance on hard courts. With her remarkable achievements, she is rapidly becoming the new queen of hardcourt tennis.