Aryna Sabalenka wins US Open title

After previous heartache in New York, Aryna Sabalenka has finally got her hands on the US Open trophy.

The Belarusian was reduced to tears following her loss to Coco Gauff in last year's final after winning the opening set comfortably.

In 2022, she let a 4-2 lead slip in the deciding set of her semi-final against Iga Swiatek, while she fell to a shock defeat by Leylah Fernandez at the same stage a year earlier.

But the 26-year-old said she was "the happiest person in the world" after beating American Jessica Pegula 7-5 7-5 in the final last Saturday finally triumph at Flushing Meadows.

"I'm speechless. I remember all the tough losses here," Sabalenka said.

"They say you're going to see the reason later. I see the reason right now.

"That's why it's very special, because no matter what, every time I was coming back stronger and I was learning. I never gave up on this dream." — BBC