Top seed Aryna Sabalenka stayed on course for a third consecutive US Open crown on Thursday, storming into the final with a straight sets demolition of American third seed Jessica Pegula. Sabalenka – who beat Pegula en route to US Open wins in 2024 and 2025 – punched her ticket to Saturday’s final with a 7-5, 6-2 win on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court. The 28-year-old Belarusian, bidding to join Chris Evert and Serena Williams as the only women to win three straight US Open titles, swatted aside Pegula with a dominant service game and a fearsome array of powerful groundstrokes.
Sabalenka will face the winner of Thursday’s other semi-final between second seed Elena Rybakina or fourth seed Coco Gauff — who beat Sabalenka in the 2023 final.
The rest of the set went with serve until the eighth game, when Pegula hit a return long to give up match point. Both players gave away little in the first set, serving superbly to keep the match on serve until the 12th game, with Sabalenka leading 6-5.
Sabalenka Shines in Semi-Final Victory
Aryna Sabalenka showcased her best form in the semi-final, defeating Jessica Pegula and advancing to the final. With seven aces and 29 winners, Sabalenka displayed a dominant performance that halted Pegula’s pursuit of her first Grand Slam title.
“I’m super happy I was able to play such tennis,” Sabalenka remarked after the match. “I was so desperate to win. I wanted it so badly.” Her confidence is high as she prepares for the final.
