Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 2 from Belarus,  won the US Open for the first time.

She defeated American Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5.

It is her third career grand slam singles title, having won the Australian Open for the second consecutive year.

FACTS AND FIGURES

The French Open is played on clay, which owes its red color to the crushed brick which forms the upper layer of the surface. There are three layers in all – one of limestone, one of clinker and one of stone – as well as drainage pipes. Clay is the slowest of surfaces.

Along with the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US and the French Open is one of the four historic tennis tournaments which make up the legendary Grand Slam.

The four tournaments all being played on different surfaces. Plexi cushion in Australia, clay at Roland Garros, grass at Wimbledon and Decoturf at the US . The Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US are the four Grand Slam tournaments. The Grand Slam itinerary consists of the Australian Open in mid January, the French Open in May/June. Wimbledon in June/July, and the US in August/September.