Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka fought back from a set down to defeat Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, advancing to her third consecutive US Open final.
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka showed remarkable grit to beat Jessica Pegula and reach a third straight US Open final. In a repeat of last year’s showpiece, the American fourth seed was on course to avenge her defeat by Sabalenka after taking the first set.
But the Belarusian held her composure to stage a steely 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 comeback victory, continuing her bid for a fourth Grand Slam singles title. After going a break up in the decider, the world number one had to save four break points before closing out the win. When asked what she was thinking in that tense moment, Sabalenka said: “I was just praying inside and hoping for the best.”
She added that it was a “really tough match” and that Pegula “played incredible tennis.” Sabalenka, who has yet to win a major title in 2025, has now reached six consecutive finals at the hard-court Grand Slams. She will face either two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka or American Amanda Anisimova in Saturday’s showpiece.