Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, kisses the trophy after winning the women's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships against Jessica Pegula, of the United States in New York.
Aryna Sabalenka left the U.S. Open in tears 12 months ago as the runner-up. She exited in the semifinals each of the two years before that, other losses that were difficult to digest. On Saturday, Sabalenka was in a joking mood after winning her first championship at Flushing Meadows and the third Grand Slam title of her career. Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed, got past No. 6 Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in a rollicking final under a closed retractable roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium, displaying her typical power while sprinkling in some variation to add this triumph to those at the Australian Open each of the past two seasons.
Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, kisses the trophy after winning the women's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships against Jessica Pegula, of the United States in New York.
Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, and Jessica Pegula, of the United States, pose for a photo after Sabalenka won the women's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York.
Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, kicks the ball after double faulting against Jessica Pegula, of the United States, during the women's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York.
Jessica Pegula, of the United States,returns a shot to Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, during the women's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York.
Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, returns a shot to Jessica Pegula, of the United States, during the women's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York.
Jessica Pegula, of the United States, returns a shot to Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, during the women's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York.
Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, returns a shot to Jessica Pegula, of the United States, during the women's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York.
Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, can't catch up with a shot from Jessica Pegula, of the United States, during the women's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York.
Jessica Pegula, of the United States, returns a shot to Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, during the women's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York.
Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, reacts against Jessica Pegula, of the United States, during the women's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York.