The start of the second set was tougher for Pegula, with an early break putting Sabalenka up 3-0. Known in the past to run a bit too hot and get in her own head, the Belarusian seemed cool and confident, moving well around the court. But yet again, Pegula could not be counted out: With a shift in focus, pace, and after cycling through a few racquets, she pulled off another astonishing comeback, winning five games in a row. Yet it was not enough: Sabalenka, refusing to lose her second US Open final in a row, pulled through to win that set 7-5, too. On taking championship point, she fell to the hardcourt, covering her face with emotion, before sprinting into the stands to embrace her team.
“I knew it was going to be challenging and tough. She’s super powerful,” Pegula said of her opponent after the match, taking the court to collect her second-place trophy. “I’m happy I was able to fight back and give myself a chance.” She went on to thank her team—including her two coaches, Mark Knowles and Mark Merklein—as well as friends and family who had come in for her home Slam.
“Oh my God, I’m speechless right now,” Sabalenka said when it was her turn to take the mic, and acknowledge the many US Opens she’s played in the past without making it to the end of the tournament. “I never say this, but I’m super proud of myself—and super proud of my team.” She concluded her remarks with a simple but effective message: “If you’re really working hard and you sacrifice everything for your dream, you’re gonna get it one day.”