Aryna Sabalenka loved the right preparation for the US Open as she secured a snug 6-3 7-5 victory over Jessica Pegula within the ultimate of the Cincinnati Open.
Sabalenka, who missed Wimbledon with a shoulder damage, had overwhelmed top-ranked Iga Swiatek within the semi-finals and can now bounce to No 2 on the earth forward of the ultimate Grand Slam of the yr.
The Belarusian constructed on an early break of serve in opposition to 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 the direction of a sixth WTA 1000 title, just for the house favorite to dig in and degree issues up at 5-5 with a primary break of her personal.
But it surely merely prompted Sabalenka to step up one other degree 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 huge forehand winner, which she transformed when Pegula dropped a return into the web.
Pegula had gave the impression to be in good type after she retained her Canadian Open title in Toronto final week however she struggled together 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 all the week.
“This trophy means a lot, it is a really big achievement, especially coming after injury, with this fear of getting injured again,” Sabalenka advised 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 developing on Sky Sports activities Tennis?
Within the run-up to the ultimate Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you possibly can watch the entire greatest 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
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