US Open 2024 Live Updates: Aryna Sabalenka beats Jessica Pegula in women’s final

After last year, it was always crucial for her to keep her emotions under control in this match and some of Sabalenka’s reactions to forehand winners showed that she herself had to take a journey in this competition.

Early in the first set, Pegula had a point on her serve at 2-2, which Sabalenka won with a thunderous forehand crosscourt that flew past her opponent. She let out a whoop of joy, venting her frustration at losing her serve in the previous game and feeling like she was not quite back on form yet.

Towards the end of the second set, Sabalenka broke again with a forehand winner – this time down the line and even more decisive. She won the match 5-4 and Pegula served to take the match to the third set.

This time there was no big reaction from Sabalenka, who instead went back to the line and prepared to serve in the next game. The roar was what she needed in the beginning to get going; now she needed to calm down and focus.

Given the circumstances, this was an exceptionally mature and emotional performance from Sabalenka.