Aryna Sabalenka is back in the US Open final after defeating Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a hard-fought semifinal inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. The reigning champion showed resilience after dropping the first set, powering her way back with aggressive baseline play and 43 winners that proved too much for the American to handle.
Pegula started strong, breaking Sabalenka twice to claim the opening set, but the world No.1 quickly shifted momentum by tightening her serve and attacking Pegula’s defensive game. The Belarusian’s drop shots and heavy returns forced Pegula out of her steady rhythm, leaving her vulnerable under pressure. Despite Pegula’s strong tactical adjustments, she struggled to neutralize Sabalenka’s power and consistency.
With the victory, Sabalenka moves one step closer to becoming the first woman since Serena Williams (2012–2014) to defend a US Open title. She will face Amanda Anisimova in the final, a player who holds a 6-3 head-to-head advantage and most recently defeated Sabalenka at Wimbledon.
Sabalenka remains world No.1 regardless of the outcome, but she has made it clear her focus is on securing another grand slam trophy. A win on Saturday would bring her to 99 career victories in grand slam main draws, solidifying her growing reputation as one of the dominant forces in women’s tennis.
