Aryna Sabalenka’s dominance on hard courts reached new heights at the 2024 US Open, where she captured her first title at Flushing Meadows and cemented her status as one of the most formidable players in women’s tennis.
Sabalenka’s triumph marked her third Grand Slam title, joining an elite group of active players with three or more major victories. She now stands alongside Venus Williams, Iga Swiatek, and Naomi Osaka in this exclusive club.
Her victory was particularly impressive considering she became only the second woman in the past eight years to win multiple majors in a single season. Swiatek also achieved this feat in 2022, while Angelique Kerber was the last to do so in 2016.
Sabalenka’s dominance extended beyond her Grand Slam success. She has won her last 12 matches in a row and 24 of the last 25 sets she has played. Her only set loss since the start of the Cincinnati tournament came against Ekaterina Alexandrova in the third round of the US Open.
Her hard-court prowess is undeniable. Since the start of 2023, Sabalenka has compiled a remarkable 27-1 record at hard-court majors. Her only defeat came in the final of last year’s US Open against Coco Gauff.
Sabalenka’s consistency is evident in her set record at hard-court majors. She has lost just five sets in her last 55 matches, demonstrating her ability to maintain her high level of play throughout tournaments.
In the lead-up to the US Open final, Sabalenka showcased her resilience and determination. She improved to 9-1 in Grand Slam quarterfinals with a dominant victory over Zheng Qinwen. Her only quarterfinal loss came at Roland Garros this year, where she squandered a significant lead against Mirra Andreeva.
Sabalenka’s semifinal win against Emma Navarro secured her spot in the WTA Finals in Riyadh in November. She became the second player to qualify for the prestigious event, joining world No. 1 Swiatek.
With her US Open victory, Sabalenka earned a substantial $3.6 million prize money, pushing her career earnings past $25 million. She also narrowed the points gap between herself and Swiatek at the top of the WTA rankings.
Sabalenka’s triumph at the US Open is a testament to her exceptional power game and unwavering determination. She has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in women’s tennis and will undoubtedly continue to challenge for major titles in the years to come.
