On September 7, 2024, Aryna Sabalenka stood atop the women’s tennis world, hoisting the US Open trophy after a commanding performance in the final against Jessica Pegula at Flushing Meadows, New York. The victory marked Sabalenka’s second Grand Slam singles title and her first US Open crown, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s elite players. The Belarusian powerhouse’s journey to the title was a testament to her resilience, mental growth, and unrelenting determination, as she overcame past setbacks and a formidable field to etch her name into tennis history.
Sabalenka’s path to the 2024 US Open title was not without its challenges. The hard courts of Flushing Meadows have long been a proving ground for the world’s best players, and this year’s tournament was no exception. With a stacked draw featuring former champions, rising stars, and perennial contenders, Sabalenka’s road to glory was paved with intense battles and emotional highs. Her victory capped a remarkable season, showcasing her evolution as a player and her ability to thrive under pressure. This article delves into Sabalenka’s journey through the 2024 US Open, exploring her matches, her growth, and the broader implications of her triumph for women’s tennis.
The Context: A New Era in Women’s Tennis
The 2024 US Open arrived at a time of transition in women’s tennis. With legends like Serena Williams retired and players like Ashleigh Barty stepping away from the sport, the WTA Tour has seen a new generation of stars emerge. Players like Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Sabalenka herself have taken center stage, each bringing a unique blend of power, athleticism, and mental fortitude to the game. The 2024 season had already been a rollercoaster, with Swiatek dominating on clay, Gauff defending her US Open title aspirations, and Sabalenka proving herself as a consistent threat across surfaces.
Sabalenka, ranked World No. 2 entering the tournament, was no stranger to Grand Slam success. Her 2023 Australian Open victory had marked her as a major champion, but her quest for a second title had been fraught with near-misses. A heartbreaking loss to Coco Gauff in the 2023 US Open final left Sabalenka determined to return stronger, and her performances in 2024—culminating in a Cincinnati Open title just weeks before the US Open—signaled that she was ready to conquer Flushing Meadows.
The 2024 US Open women’s draw was a gauntlet of talent. Top seeds like Swiatek, Gauff, and Elena Rybakina loomed as potential obstacles, while veterans like Naomi Osaka and rising stars like Qinwen Zheng added depth to the field. For Sabalenka, the tournament represented an opportunity to silence critics who questioned her mental toughness in high-stakes moments and to cement her legacy as a multi-Grand Slam champion.
The Early Rounds: Building Momentum
Sabalenka’s campaign began with a statement. Seeded second, she faced Australian qualifier Priscilla Hon in the first round. Hon, ranked outside the top 100, was a dangerous floater with nothing to lose, but Sabalenka dispatched her with ruthless efficiency, winning 6-3, 6-2. The match showcased Sabalenka’s trademark power—her groundstrokes, among the most ferocious in the game, left Hon scrambling to keep up. More importantly, Sabalenka’s serve, which had been a liability in past tournaments, was dialed in, with 10 aces and no double faults. The victory set the tone for her tournament: controlled aggression and laser-like focus.
In the second round, Sabalenka faced Lucia Bronzetti of Italy. Bronzetti, a crafty player known for her defensive skills, tried to disrupt Sabalenka’s rhythm with slices and high balls. However, Sabalenka’s improved patience—a product of her work with coach Gavin MacMillan—shone through. She navigated Bronzetti’s tactics with a mix of power and precision, securing a 6-4, 6-3 victory. Post-match, Sabalenka spoke about her focus on staying calm under pressure, a theme that would define her tournament.
The third round pitted Sabalenka against 28th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, a big-hitting Russian who posed a stylistic challenge. Alexandrova’s aggressive game mirrored Sabalenka’s, promising a slugfest. The match lived up to expectations, with both players trading blistering groundstrokes. Sabalenka, however, proved the steadier player, breaking Alexandrova’s serve late in both sets to win 6-4, 7-5. Her ability to stay composed in tight moments was a marked improvement from previous seasons, where emotional outbursts sometimes derailed her.
The Fourth Round: A Test of Resilience
The fourth round brought a stern test in the form of 15th seed Elise Mertens. The Belgian, a former doubles partner of Sabalenka, was a familiar foe with a versatile game. Mertens’s ability to mix spins, angles, and net play made her a tricky opponent, and she pushed Sabalenka to the brink in a thrilling encounter. The first set was a seesaw battle, with Mertens breaking Sabalenka’s serve twice to take a 5-4 lead. However, Sabalenka’s mental fortitude shone through, as she battled back to win the set in a tiebreak, 7-6(4).
The second set saw Sabalenka elevate her game, hammering 12 winners to Mertens’s 5. Her serve, which had been inconsistent in past tournaments, was a weapon, delivering clutch aces in critical moments. A 6-3 second-set victory sent Sabalenka into the quarterfinals, where she expressed relief at overcoming a “tough, tricky opponent” who knew her game well.
The Quarterfinals: A Clash with Qinwen Zheng
The quarterfinals pitted Sabalenka against 7th seed Qinwen Zheng, the Chinese phenom who had burst onto the scene with an Olympic gold medal in 2024. Zheng’s powerful baseline game and fearless demeanor made her a dangerous opponent, and their match was one of the most anticipated of the tournament. The Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd buzzed with excitement as the two heavy hitters took the court.
The first set was a display of raw power, with both players unloading groundstrokes that pushed the boundaries of the court. Zheng’s flat, penetrating shots tested Sabalenka’s movement, but the Belarusian’s superior court coverage and defensive instincts kept her in points. A crucial break at 5-5 gave Sabalenka the edge, and she closed out the set 6-4 with a blistering forehand winner.
In the second set, Zheng raised her level, attacking Sabalenka’s second serve and earning an early break. However, Sabalenka’s newfound mental resilience was evident as she refused to panic. She broke back immediately, capitalizing on a rare Zheng error, and took control with a barrage of winners. A 6-3 second-set victory sealed her place in the semifinals, and Sabalenka’s post-match comments highlighted her growth: “I’ve learned to stay in the moment, to keep fighting no matter what. That’s what got me through today.”
The Semifinals: Navigating a Resurgent Osaka
In the semifinals, Sabalenka faced a formidable challenge in Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion who was making a resurgent run at the 2024 US Open. Osaka, unseeded but dangerous, had powered through the draw with her signature serve and aggressive play. The matchup was a clash of titans, pitting Sabalenka’s relentless power against Osaka’s pinpoint accuracy.
The first set was a masterclass in serving from both players. Osaka’s first serve was nearly untouchable, but Sabalenka matched her with 8 aces of her own. The set went to a tiebreak, where Sabalenka’s aggression paid off. She targeted Osaka’s backhand with heavy topspin, forcing errors, and clinched the tiebreak 7-6(5) with a screaming forehand down the line.
The second set saw Osaka fight back, breaking Sabalenka early to take a 3-1 lead. The Japanese star’s emotional intensity was palpable, as she fed off the crowd’s energy. However, Sabalenka’s improved mental game kept her steady. She clawed back the break with a series of blistering returns and took control with her forehand, which was landing with devastating precision. A 6-4 second-set victory sent Sabalenka into her second US Open final, and she later credited her team for helping her stay focused: “Naomi pushed me to my limits, but I trusted my process, and that made the difference.”
The Final: Sabalenka vs. Pegula
The 2024 US Open women’s final was a clash of contrasting styles and narratives. Jessica Pegula, the American No. 6 seed, was playing in her first Grand Slam final at the age of 30. Pegula’s journey to the final had been a story of perseverance, as she overcame years of injuries and near-misses to reach the biggest stage of her career. Sabalenka, meanwhile, was looking to erase the memory of her 2023 US Open final loss and claim her second major title.
The Arthur Ashe Stadium was packed to the rafters, with American fans rallying behind Pegula in hopes of seeing a homegrown champion. However, Sabalenka was unfazed by the partisan crowd. From the opening game, she asserted her dominance, breaking Pegula’s serve with a ferocious backhand winner. Sabalenka’s power was on full display, as she dictated play with her groundstrokes and moved Pegula around the court with ease. The first set was a clinic, with Sabalenka winning 6-3 in just 35 minutes.
Pegula, known for her tenacity, fought back in the second set. She adjusted her game plan, using angles and drop shots to disrupt Sabalenka’s rhythm. The American broke Sabalenka’s serve to take a 4-2 lead, and the crowd erupted in support. However, Sabalenka’s mental growth was the story of the match. Instead of unraveling, as she might have in years past, she stayed composed, breaking back immediately with a series of pinpoint returns. The set remained tight, but Sabalenka’s power proved too much. She sealed the set 6-4 with an ace, clinching the US Open title in front of a stunned crowd.
As the final ball landed, Sabalenka dropped to her knees, overcome with emotion. The victory was a culmination of years of hard work, heartbreak, and growth. In her post-match speech, she thanked her team, her family, and the fans, saying, “This means everything to me. I’ve dreamed of this moment, and I’m so grateful to be here.”
The Significance of Sabalenka’s Victory
Aryna Sabalenka’s 2024 US Open title was more than just a trophy; it was a statement. After years of being labeled as a player with immense potential but inconsistent mental fortitude, Sabalenka proved she could handle the pressure of a Grand Slam final. Her victory showcased her evolution as a player, blending her raw power with newfound composure and tactical acumen.
The win also had broader implications for the WTA Tour. With Iga Swiatek’s dominance on clay and Coco Gauff’s rise on hard courts, Sabalenka’s triumph reaffirmed her place among the sport’s elite. The “Big Three” of Swiatek, Sabalenka, and Gauff now represent the present and future of women’s tennis, with each player bringing a unique style to the game. Sabalenka’s power game, in particular, has set a new standard for aggression, forcing opponents to adapt to her relentless style.
For American tennis, Pegula’s run to the final was a bright spot. While she fell short, her performance signaled her arrival as a legitimate Grand Slam contender. At 30, Pegula’s journey is a reminder that perseverance can pay off, and her graciousness in defeat endeared her to fans worldwide.
Sabalenka’s Evolution: From Powerhouse to Champion
Sabalenka’s journey to the 2024 US Open title is a story of transformation. Early in her career, she was known for her raw power but struggled with consistency and emotional control. Double faults, unforced errors, and mental lapses plagued her in big moments, leading to criticism that she couldn’t handle the pressure of Grand Slam tennis. However, her work with her coaching team, including MacMillan and psychologist Gavin Groth, helped her channel her intensity into focus.
Her serve, once a liability, became a weapon in 2024, thanks to technical adjustments and mental preparation. Her groundstrokes, already among the best in the game, were complemented by improved movement and defensive skills. Perhaps most importantly, Sabalenka learned to embrace the pressure of big matches, turning her fiery passion into a strength rather than a weakness.
Off the court, Sabalenka’s charisma and authenticity have made her a fan favorite. Her post-match interviews, filled with humor and vulnerability, have endeared her to audiences. Her ability to connect with fans, even in a hostile environment like Arthur Ashe Stadium, speaks to her growing maturity as a global star.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Sabalenka?
With the US Open title in hand, Sabalenka’s future is bright. At 26, she is in the prime of her career and poised to add more Grand Slam titles to her resume. Her next challenge will likely come at the 2025 Australian Open, where she will defend her 2023 title. A rematch with Swiatek, who remains the World No. 1, looms as a potential blockbuster, as does a clash with Gauff, who will be eager to reclaim her US Open crown.
Sabalenka’s success also raises questions about the WTA’s hierarchy. With three players—Swiatek, Sabalenka, and Gauff—dominating the majors, the tour is entering a new era of rivalries. Sabalenka’s power game, Swiatek’s consistency, and Gauff’s athleticism create a dynamic contrast, ensuring that women’s tennis remains compelling for years to come.
The Bigger Picture: Women’s Tennis in 2024
The 2024 US Open was a microcosm of the state of women’s tennis: competitive, unpredictable, and full of compelling narratives. Sabalenka’s victory, Pegula’s breakthrough, Osaka’s resurgence, and Zheng’s emergence all underscored the depth of talent on the WTA Tour. The tournament also highlighted the global appeal of the sport, with players from Belarus, the United States, Japan, and China captivating audiences worldwide.
For Sabalenka, the US Open title is a milestone but not the end of her journey. Her hunger for more success is evident, and her ability to overcome past setbacks bodes well for her future. As she continues to refine her game and embrace her role as a champion, Sabalenka is poised to leave an indelible mark on tennis history.
Conclusion
Aryna Sabalenka’s 2024 US Open triumph was a defining moment in her career and a testament to her growth as a player and person. Her journey through the tournament—marked by dominant performances, mental resilience, and a commanding final—showcased why she is one of the sport’s brightest stars. The victory was not just a personal triumph but a celebration of the evolution of women’s tennis, where power, skill, and heart converge to create unforgettable moments.
As Sabalenka lifted the trophy under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, she stood as a symbol of perseverance and possibility. Her path to the 2024 US Open title was a reminder that greatness is not just about talent but about the courage to keep pushing forward, no matter the odds. For Sabalenka, the journey continues, and the tennis world will be watching eagerly to see what she achieves next.
