9 september 2024 : Aryna Sabalenka clinched the US Open 2024 title, defeating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in the final, and became the first Italian man to win the tournament. As she left the podium, Sabalenka glanced at the trophy, reflecting on her journey of overcoming near-misses and past disappointments. This victory, Sabalenka’s second Grand Slam title, reinforces her status as one of the most dominant players in recent years.
Sabalenka’s performance on hard courts has been exceptional, with her victories at the Australian Open and US Open in 2024, becoming only the second woman in 27 years to achieve a hard-court Slam sweep in Melbourne and New York. She has demonstrated remarkable consistency, making deep runs in major tournaments and reaching the latter stages of all the Slams she has competed in over the past two seasons.
Her recent success is marked by a strong mental game and a more varied style of play. Sabalenka, known for her powerful baseline game, has also incorporated finesse into her repertoire, effectively using drop shots and volleys in crucial moments. This season, she has maintained an impressive 18-1 record in Grand Slam matches.
Despite Iga Swiatek holding the top WTA ranking and having more titles this year, Sabalenka’s repeated appearances in the later stages of Slams underscore her dominance. Sabalenka’s US Open win is a testament to her resilience and improved game, and she is now focused on expanding her success across different surfaces.