Aryna Sabalenka loved the right preparation for the US Open as she secured a cushty 6-3 7-5 victory over Jessica Pegula within the last of the Cincinnati Open.
Sabalenka, who missed Wimbledon with a shoulder harm, had crushed top-ranked Iga Swiatek within the semi-finals and can now soar to No 2 on the earth forward of the ultimate Grand Slam of the 12 months.
The Belarusian constructed on an early break of serve towards American sixth seed Pegula within the opening set, occurring to shut it out 6-3.
After Pegula was damaged once more within the first sport of the second set, it appeared Sabalenka would coast in direction of a sixth WTA 1000 title, just for the house favorite to dig in and stage issues up at 5-5 with a primary break of her personal.
But it surely merely prompted Sabalenka to step up one other stage as she instantly broke again to see her serve for the match as soon as extra.
On this event, the two-time Grand Slam winner wouldn’t slip up, establishing championship level with one other massive forehand winner, which she transformed when Pegula dropped a return into the online.
Pegula had gave the impression to be in good type after she retained her Canadian Open title in Toronto final week however she struggled along with her serve right here, sending down 5 double faults within the match.
It’s Sabalenka’s first title since touchdown a second-straight Australian Open success in January, with the 26-year-old not dropping a set your entire week.
“This trophy means a lot, it is a really big achievement, especially coming after injury, with this fear of getting injured again,” Sabalenka informed Sky Sports activities after her win.
“My team did everything they could to make sure I felt as good as I can and I am proud of myself I was able to handle all of those emotions.”
What’s arising on Sky Sports activities Tennis?
Within the run-up to the ultimate Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you possibly can watch all the largest tennis stars in motion reside on Sky Sports activities as they compete throughout the hard-court season.
- Winston-Salem Open (ATP 250) – 18-24 August
- Tennis within the Land, Cleveland (WTA 250) – 18-24 August
- Abierto GNP Seguros, Monterrey (WTA 500) – 19-24 August
- US Open (ATP/WTA) – 26 August – 8 September
Watch the WTA and ATP Excursions all through 2024 on Sky Sports activities Tennis. Stream Sky Sports activities Tennis and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.
