The many lessons Aryna Sabalenka has learned inside Arthur Ashe Stadium finally culminated in a U.S. Open crown.
Under the bright lights of the historic court that has seen her fail many times before, Sabalenka proved she was the woman to beat in the tournament and gutted out a 7-5, 7-5 victory over No. 6-seeded American Jessica Pegula on Saturday to hoist her first ever grand slam trophy.
![Aryna Sabalenka [2] of Belarus reacts as she plays against Jessica Pegula [6] of the US during their match on Arthur Ashe Stadium.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/aryna-sabalenka-2-belarus-reacts-89200785.jpg?w=1024)
![Aryna Sabalenka [2] of Belarus returns a volley against Jessica Pegula [6] of the US during their match on Arthur Ashe Stadium.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/aryna-sabalenka-2-belarus-returns-89193540.jpg?w=1024)
The world No. 2 has longed to endear herself to New York and the U.S. Open crowd – even trying to appease spectators by promising drinks “on her” after the quarter finals this year – but Sabalenka has longed for a title even more.
![Jessica Pegula [6] of the US returns a volley against Aryna Sabalenka [2] of Belarus during their match on Arthur Ashe Stadium.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/jessica-pegula-6-us-returns-89193711.jpg?w=1024)
