Queens, NY— Aryna Sabalenka is one victory away from making U.S. Open history.
The world No. 1 defeated No. 3 Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 on Thursday at Arthur Ashe Stadium, advancing to the U.S. Open women’s singles final for the third consecutive year and keeping her bid for an unprecedented three-peat alive.
For much of the opening set, neither player was able to establish a significant advantage. Pegula stayed within striking distance as the two traded momentum, but Sabalenka raised her level when the set entered its decisive stages.
The Belarusian began attacking Pegula’s second serve with greater authority, eventually breaking through late in the set to take control. From there, Sabalenka carried that momentum into the second set and never allowed Pegula to regain her footing.
Sabalenka finished with 29 winners, more than twice Pegula’s total of 12, as her power and aggression steadily overwhelmed the American.
“No complaints,” Sabalenka said after the victory. “I’m just super happy that I was able to pull out such tennis.”
The victory marked another significant chapter in Sabalenka’s growing dominance at Flushing Meadows. She captured the U.S. Open championship in 2023 and successfully defended the title a year later. Now, she is one match away from becoming the first woman since Serena Williams won the tournament three straight times from 2012 through 2014 to accomplish the feat.
Sabalenka’s path to the championship match has already included some of the biggest names in the women’s game, and her semifinal performance against Pegula was perhaps her most commanding showing of the tournament.
“I was so desperate for the win, I wanted it badly,” Sabalenka said.
She will return to the court Saturday against either No. 2 Elena Rybakina or No. 4 Coco Gauff, who meet in the other semifinal.
Regardless of the opponent, Sabalenka will enter the final with both momentum and history on her side. One more victory would secure a third consecutive U.S. Open crown and place her alongside one of the most remarkable achievements in modern women’s tennis.
