Aryna Sabalenka won her maiden US Open title on Saturday, defeating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5.
No. 2 seed Sabalenka didn't dominate No. 6 Pegula with her serve and groundstrokes like she did Thursday's semifinal win over Emma Navarro. Her precise shotmaking and strong stroke countered Pegula's outstanding defense, which tormented Sabalenka with her returns.
Sabalenka took a 3-0 lead into the second set after winning a tight opening set in which she was frustrated by her failure to put Pegula away.
Pegula sometimes appeared helpless against Sabalenka's strong serve and forehand. The scoreboard didn't indicate it, but her defense kept her in the contest.
Pegula counterattacked. She broke Sabalenka's serve to come within 3-2 after holding serve at 3-1. The Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, louder due to a closed roof, was on her side when she returned to the concert.
Pegula maintained serve to knot the set at 3-3 despite admitting that her rackets "felt dead" and that she couldn't get an advantage against Sabalenka's strength. She subsequently broke Sabalenka's serve to lead 4-3, suggesting a third set.
After five straight wins, Pegula appeared to rule the contest. Sabalenka won the point with a no-look, cross-court backhand stroke with her back to the net and out of Pegula's grasp.
Sabalenka broke Pegula's serve to tie 5-5. She seemed to gain confidence and power her serve and forehand to hold for a 6-5 lead.