Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner both clinched their first US Open titles this year. Although both players have experienced Grand Slam victories before, their triumphs at Flushing Meadows this weekend marked their inaugural US Open wins. Sabalenka overcame American favorite Jessica Pegula with a score of 7-5, 7-5, while Sinner defeated Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 in the finals.
This year has been remarkable for both Sabalenka and Sinner, each securing two Grand Slam titles. The champions appeared together on the Today Show on Monday, proudly displaying their trophies and discussing their celebrations. “We spent time with the team and had fun. We enjoyed drinks and good food. We needed to feel this relief,” Sabalenka shared. When asked about margaritas, she confirmed, “A lot of margaritas.”
Sinner humorously added that his celebrations were more modest. “I am a bit cheaper, I guess. I always love to celebrate with food. I love food, even if I am like this,” he said, holding up his pinky finger to highlight his lean physique. “I love hamburgers and french fries. Obviously, we will celebrate in other ways later.”
These victories mark significant milestones in both the men’s and women’s games. Sinner’s win is especially notable as it ensured Serbian legend Novak Djokovic ended the year without a Grand Slam title. For the first time in over two decades, none of the “Big Three” – Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer – won a Grand Slam title this year.
With Federer retired and Nadal struggling with injuries, Djokovic was the last of the golden generation standing at Flushing Meadows. However, the Serbian crashed out in the third round to Australia’s Alexei Popyrin. Sinner’s victory at the US Open adds to his Australian Open win earlier this year, making it his second Grand Slam title.
On the women’s side, with many top players grappling with fitness issues, Sabalenka has emerged as a steady Grand Slam contender. Despite her own challenges, including a back injury in Rome and a shoulder injury that kept her out of Wimbledon, she retained her title at the Australian Open and continues to demonstrate her resilience and skill.
