Aryna Sabalenka won her first US Open title as she put the disappointment of last year's final behind her to hold off home hope Jessica Pegula.
Sabalenka was seen smashing her racquet on the floor of the locker room after losing the Flushing Meadows showpiece to Coco Gauff in 2023.
However, 12 months on, the Belarusian second seed earned redemption in New York, dropping to the floor in celebration after clinching a thrilling 7-5 7-5 win over Pegula.
It is a third Grand Slam singles trophy for Sabalenka after she successfully defended her Australian Open title in January.
It also continues her dominance on hard courts, with the win over Pegula extending Sabalenka's unbeaten run on the surface at major tournaments to 14 matches.
Sabalenka says she is speechless right now, it's always been a dream of hers and finally she got this beautiful trophy.
The 26-year-old ran up to her player's box to celebrate the victory, hugging her team and jokingly slapping the head of her strength and conditioning coach Jason Stacy, who had a replica of Sabalenka's tiger tattoo printed on the area.
She says if you're really working hard sacrificing everything for your dream, you're going to get it one day.
Source: BBC
