Aryna Sabalenka leaves US Open crowd in stitches with response to Jessica Pegula request
Aryna Sabalenka beat Jessica Pegula to win the US Open.
Aryna Sabalenka had the US Open fans in stitches after lifting the trophy on Saturday. The world No. 2 beat Jessica Pegula 7-5 7-5, winning the last four games in a row.
As Pegula gave her runner-up speech, she joked that she wished Sabalenka would have given her at least one set.
And Sabalenka had a hilarious response as she addressed the crowd moments later, even making her rival laugh.
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The final was a rollercoaster, with Pegula coming back from a break down in both sets before she was broken while serving to stay alive at 5-6. The American even served at 5-3 in the second to force a decider but couldn't get the job done.
Afterwards, she jokingly sighed and told Sabalenka: "Oh, I wish you would’ve at least let me get one set." It's the second time Pegula has lost a big final to the Belarusian this summer, as Sabalenka also won their match at the Cincinnati Open.
And Pegula added: "We had obviously another tough match in Cincinnati a few weeks ago and she's been playing some amazing hard court tennis and if not [she is] the best hard court player in the world so I knew it was going to be challenging and tough.
"I mean she’s super powerful, goes for her shots, she’s definitely not going to give you anything and she can take the racket out of your hands a lot of times. I was happy I was able to fight back and give myself the chance but in the end wasn't enough but I was glad I was able to stay in it and keep giving myself opportunities."
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Sabalenka directly replied to the 30-year-old's request to let her have a set as she explained just how desperate she was to lift the title. "In that second set honestly I was just praying there. I was literally standing there, praying for getting this win and you’re talking about 'giving me one set,'" the Belarusian laughed.
The two-time Australian Open champion had come close in New York before - losing to Coco Gauff from a set up in last year's final. So it's no surprise that she wasn't willing to let Pegula have anything. But she still believes the world No. 6 will get her hands on a Major trophy.
"Talking about Jessica, I know how tough it was in the finals but you showed some amazing tennis and I’m more than sure that one day you’re going to get one - I mean not one, maybe more! - but let’s start with one Grand Slam," she said.
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Sabalenka shared a heartwarming moment with her loved ones before the trophy presentation, rushing to her box to embrace her coaches, friends and family. The 26-year-old is known for poking fun at her team during victory speeches but she also had an emotional message for them - after reminding them that she put them in a job.
"Let’s be honest, without them, I wouldn’t be me and I wouldn’t exist. And as I always say, without me, you guys wouldn’t exist so you’re welcome!" she giggled.
"I love you guys. Your support is everything, you’re my family and I don’t know, I can’t imagine my tennis life and my personal life without you guys. I really love you, I say it really not often but I say it sometimes, I say it loud, but guys, I love you so much. Thank you for being you."
