The start of the second set was more difficult for Pegula, as an early break gave Sabalenka a 3-0 lead. The Belarusian, who in the past has been known to play a little too fast and get lost in her own thoughts, looked cool and confident and moved well on the court. But this time, too, Pegula was not to be underestimated: with a change of focus, tempo and after wearing out some rackets, she managed another amazing comeback and won five games in a row. But it was not enough: Sabalenka, who refused to lose her second US Open final in a row, managed to win The Set 7:5. When she took the championship point, she fell to the hard court and hid her face in emotion before sprinting to the stands to hug her team.
“I knew it would be challenging and tough. She is super strong,” Pegula said after the match about her opponent, who entered the court to collect her second-place trophy. “I’m glad I was able to fight back and give myself a chance.” She also thanked her team – including her two coaches Mark Knowles and Mark Merklein – as well as her friends and family who came to her home slam.
“Oh my God, I’m speechless right now,” Sabalenka said when it was her turn to take the microphone and mention the many US Opens she has played in the past without making it to the end of the tournament. “I never say this, but I’m super proud of myself – and super proud of my team.” She concluded her remarks with a simple but powerful message: “If you work really hard and sacrifice everything for your dream, one day you will achieve it.”
