Aryna Sabalenka’s power game soared at Flushing Meadows this year as she clinched her first US Open title and the third Grand Slam title of her career. She capped her remarkable run with a thrilling 7-5, 7-5 victory over American Jessica Pegula in the final, solidifying her status among the elite in women’s tennis.
10 Amazing Achievements from Sabalenka’s Triumph
1. Elite Company:
With her victory, Sabalenka becomes just the fourth active female player to hold three or more Grand Slam titles, joining legends Venus Williams (seven), Iga Swiatek (five), and Naomi Osaka (four).
2. Double Major Winner:
She is only the second woman in the last eight years to win more than one major in a single year, following Swiatek’s two titles in 2022. Before that, Angelique Kerber last achieved this in 2016.
3. Rare Feat:
Sabalenka is just the second woman in 27 years to win both the Australian Open and US Open in the same year. The last to do so was Kerber in 2016, with the previous instance being Martina Hingis in 1997.
4. Unstoppable Streak:
Currently, Sabalenka has won her last 12 matches in a row and 24 of the last 25 sets she has played. Her only set loss since the start of Cincinnati was against Ekaterina Alexandrova in the third round of the US Open, where she staged an impressive comeback.
5. Hard-Court Dominance:
Sabalenka boasts a remarkable 27-1 record at hard-court majors since the beginning of 2023. Her only loss during this period was to Coco Gauff in the previous year’s US Open final.
6. Set Statistics:
She holds an impressive 55-5 record in sets at hard-court majors this year, losing only one set at the Australian Open and three at the US Open.
7. Quarterfinal Success:
In her quarterfinal match against Zheng Qinwen, she improved her Grand Slam quarterfinal record to 9-1, showcasing her prowess in crucial matches.
8. WTA Finals Qualification:
After defeating Emma Navarro in the semifinals, Sabalenka became the second player to qualify for this year’s WTA Finals, joining world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in Riyadh this November.
9. Career Earnings Milestone:
With a prize money check of $3.6 million for her US Open title, Sabalenka surpassed $25 million in career earnings, skyrocketing from $24,761,708 to an impressive $28,361,708.
10. Ranking Points Race:
Finally, Sabalenka narrowed the points gap between herself and Swiatek at the top of the WTA rankings. Before the US Open, she trailed by 2,679 points; now, that gap has reduced to 2,169 points.
Sabalenka’s historic victory not only highlights her incredible talent but also positions her as a formidable force in women’s tennis. As she looks ahead, fans can expect even more thrilling performances from this rising star.