World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka has claimed her third Grand Slam singles title, defeating American Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in the US Open final. This triumph marks Sabalenka’s first US Open championship and cements her position as a dominant force in women’s tennis.

The Belarusian tennis star, 26, has now won 12 consecutive matches and boasts a 6-2 head-to-head record against Pegula. Despite facing a strong challenge from the American, Sabalenka’s determination and skill ultimately led to her victory.

In a post-match interview, Sabalenka expressed her gratitude to the crowd for their support, acknowledging that she had felt a significant shift in their favor compared to her previous US Open final appearance. “I felt so much love from the crowd this year,” she said. “Even though I was facing Americans, they still supported me, and that meant a lot.”

Sabalenka’s victory marks a milestone in her career, as she becomes the first woman to sweep the hard court Grand Slams since Angelique Kerber in 2016. Her achievement is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.

Pegula, 30, also had a remarkable tournament, reaching her first Grand Slam final and securing a career-high ranking of No. 3. Despite her loss, she expressed gratitude for the experience and the support of the crowd. “It’s been an incredible month for me,” she said. “I’m just really grateful for the last few weeks of tennis and some incredible matches I’ve been able to put together.”