Aryna Sabalenka in tears as she banks $3.6million with US Open win over…see more

Aryna Sabalenka in tears as she banks $3.6million with US Open win over American Jessica Pegula in front of the stars

Aryna Sabalenka is the women’s singles champion at the US Open with a 7-5 7-5 victory over American Jessica Pegula.

The Belarusian claims her first title at Flushing Meadows having claimed her previous two Grand Slams at the Australian Open.

When her victory was confirmed, Sabalenka rushed up to her coaching team and loved ones in the Arthur Ashe Stadium and cut an emotional figure when celebrating the title.

With this win, Sabalenka, who lost last year’s final to Coco Gauff, banks a whopping $3.6million with the prize money for winners in the singles draws going up by $600,000 from last year.

Meanwhile, Pegula will earn $1.8m for reaching the final.

The final on Saturday evening was played out in front of a star-studded crowd with F1 icon Lewis Hamilton and Olympic champion Noah Lyles sitting next to each other in the stands.

Meanwhile, NBA legend Steph Curry was in the crowd, as was American tennis legends Billie-Jean King and Andy Roddick and Tracy Austin.

American composer Jeff Richmond and actor wife Tina Fey were also at the match as was US Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

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Hollywood actor Rebel Wilson was also seen in the crowd.

Defeat broke the heart of Pegula, who dreamed of winning a maiden grand slam title in front of an American crowd in the New York state she was born.

She had strong support on Arthur Ashe but was unable to tame Sabalenka’s power despite serving for the second set.