Sabalenka Storms Into US Open Final! Aryna Crushes Pegula in Straight Sets
Aryna Sabalenka is back in the US Open final. The defending champion produced another statement performance in New York, defeating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the women's singles semifinal.
Sabalenka needed just two sets to overcome the American third seed and now stands one victory away from completing a remarkable three-peat at Flushing Meadows.
Sabalenka Edges Tight First Set
The opening set was closely contested as Pegula looked to make the most of her opportunity against the defending champion.
Sabalenka's power was a constant threat, but Pegula managed to stay competitive from the baseline and keep the set tight deep into the set.
When the crucial moments arrived, however, Sabalenka raised her level. The world-class power game that has made her so dangerous at the US Open began to take over, allowing her to claim the opening set 7-5.
Sabalenka Takes Control in the Second
Once Sabalenka had the opening set in her pocket, the match began to move increasingly in her direction.
The Belarusian applied relentless pressure to Pegula's service games while continuing to attack with heavy groundstrokes. Pegula struggled to find the same consistency that had kept her close during the opening set.
Sabalenka capitalized on the momentum and pulled away, eventually closing out the second set 6-2.
Sabalenka Reaches Another US Open Final
The victory sends Sabalenka into yet another US Open final and keeps her historic title defense firmly on track.
Sabalenka entered the tournament as the two-time defending champion and had already reached her sixth consecutive US Open semifinal before facing Pegula. Her latest victory now gives her another opportunity to make history in New York.
A third consecutive US Open championship would put Sabalenka alongside the select group of women who have managed to win the tournament three years in succession during the Open Era.
Pegula's Deep Run Ends in the Semifinal
For Pegula, the defeat brings another impressive US Open campaign to an end.
The American had reached the semifinal for the third consecutive year, defeating Emma Navarro in the quarterfinals to set up another meeting with Sabalenka.
Pegula was also chasing her first Grand Slam singles title and her first appearance in a major final. She pushed Sabalenka in the opening set, but ultimately could not prevent the defending champion from taking control.
Sabalenka One Win From History
Sabalenka now has one match remaining between herself and another US Open championship.
The defending champion has once again handled the pressure of the biggest stage in New York and will enter the final with momentum after a straight-sets semifinal victory.
With the 7-5, 6-2 victory over Pegula, Sabalenka has officially booked her place in the US Open 2026 final.