Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has battled past Jessica Pegula in a gripping US Open semifinal, advancing to her third straight final in New York.
Under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Aryna Sabalenka proved once again that she is a master of emotional resilience.
The world No. 1 and defending champion fought back from a set down to defeat hometown favourite Jessica Pegula in a hard-hitting U.S. Open semifinal, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, securing her place in her third consecutive final at Flushing Meadows.
The high-quality showdown was a captivating rematch of last year’s final, but this time, the narrative was far more compelling. Pegula, buoyed by a raucous home crowd and playing what she called her “best tennis” of the year, came out firing, exploiting Sabalenka’s early frustration to snatch the first set.
However, a defiant Sabalenka found her rhythm in the second and third sets, relying on her trademark power and a newfound mental toughness to overpower her opponent and secure the victory.
A First Set Upset
The opening set saw a determined Jessica Pegula play near-flawless tennis. While Sabalenka’s aggressive shot-making gave her an early 4-2 lead, Pegula’s consistency and tactical precision were the difference-makers. With the New York crowd roaring, Pegula mounted a fierce comeback, reeling off four straight games to take the set 6-4.
“I had to work really hard to get this win,” a relieved Sabalenka said in her post-match interview, acknowledging the challenge posed by her American rival.
The first set loss was a wake-up call for the top seed, who had not dropped a single set on her path to the semifinal.
The defeat was visible on her face, but she left the court during the changeover, a ritual that has often preceded her most formidable comebacks.
The Power of Resilience
When Sabalenka returned to the court for the second set, she was a changed player. Gone was the visible frustration. In its place was a laser-like focus and a renewed commitment to her power game.
She immediately broke Pegula’s serve and never looked back, painting the sidelines with blistering forehands and aces that regularly clocked over 115 mph. She would go on to win the set 6-3, forcing a decisive third set.
The final set was a masterclass in emotional control. Sabalenka secured an early break to go up 2-0, but Pegula refused to fold. The American battled to earn three crucial break points, creating a tense atmosphere in the stadium.
Sabalenka, however, stood firm, saving all three with a combination of rocket serves and powerful groundstrokes. Her ability to endure pressure in key moments was a defining feature of the match, as she won a staggering 90 points to Pegula’s 88.
Ultimately, the match ended on Sabalenka’s third match point, after a dramatic final game that saw her miss two initial opportunities, including a mind-numbing overhead smash into the net.
She eventually sealed the win with a forehand winner, rocking back on her heels with a triumphant scream.
A Historic Quest for a Repeat
Sabalenka’s victory propels her into her third straight US Open final, a feat that puts her in rarefied air. She is just one win away from becoming the first woman to defend her title at Flushing Meadows since Serena Williams achieved a three-peat from 2012 to 2014.
The win also brings her career head-to-head record against Pegula to 8-2, reinforcing her dominance in the rivalry.
The defending champion will now face either Naomi Osaka or Amanda Anisimova in Saturday’s final. For Jessica Pegula, the loss is a difficult pill to swallow but a testament to her progress
