Key Takeaways
- Sabalenka is one win away from a historic three-peat.
- Sabalenka has regained her confidence at the biggest stage.
- The US Open final sets up a major rivalry showdown.
Aryna Sabalenka moved one victory away from a historic third consecutive US Open title after defeating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the women’s semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The defending champion produced a commanding performance on Thursday, combining powerful baseline hitting with accurate serving to end Pegula’s campaign and book another place in the US Open final.
The top-seeded Sabalenka needed only 80 minutes to complete the victory. She struck 29 winners and seven aces while committing relatively few errors and gave Pegula limited opportunities to take control of the match. Sabalenka also faced only one break point and protected her serve throughout the contest.
The opening set was far more competitive than the final score suggested. Pegula matched Sabalenka through the early stages, holding serve consistently and absorbing the pressure created by the Belarusian’s aggressive groundstrokes. Neither player was able to create a decisive advantage during the first eight games.
The turning point came at 4-4. Pegula earned her first break-point opportunity after Sabalenka committed a double fault, but she was unable to convert it. Sabalenka responded immediately, increasing the pace of her shots and putting greater pressure on Pegula’s service games.
She eventually secured the crucial break and closed out the first set 7-5.
The second set quickly moved in Sabalenka’s favour. She established a 4-1 lead and continued to attack Pegula’s second serve, preventing the American from settling into extended rallies. Pegula won just five of 19 points behind her second serve, leaving her vulnerable to Sabalenka’s aggressive returns.
Sabalenka maintained control until the finish, sealing the second set 6-2 and securing another appearance in the final.
Aryna Sabalenka Extends Dominance Over Pegula
The victory strengthened Sabalenka’s advantage in her growing rivalry with Pegula. The two players have now met seven times, with Sabalenka leading their head-to-head record 5-2.
Their rivalry has become particularly significant at the US Open. Sabalenka defeated Pegula in the 2024 final to claim her first championship at Flushing Meadows. A year later, the pair met again in the semifinal, where Sabalenka recovered after losing the opening set to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. She subsequently went on to defend her US Open title.
Pegula entered this year’s semifinal seeking to reach her first Grand Slam final. The American had made the last four in New York for a third consecutive year and arrived with strong momentum after reaching 50 wins for the 2026 season with her quarterfinal victory over Emma Navarro.
However, Aryna Sabalenka once again proved to be the obstacle she could not overcome.
For Sabalenka, the victory represents a significant turnaround after a challenging period earlier in the season. Despite being the defending US Open champion, she had not reached a final since her Sunshine Double success in March. Her performance in New York has now restored her momentum at one of the most important points of the season.
A Historic Three-Peat Is Within Reach
Sabalenka’s semifinal victory extended her US Open winning streak to 19 matches and secured her fourth consecutive appearance in the tournament final. She is now one victory away from becoming the first woman since Serena Williams to win three consecutive US Open singles titles.
Williams achieved the feat between 2012 and 2014, while Chris Evert previously won three straight championships from 1975 through 1977.
A third consecutive US Open crown would add another major milestone to Sabalenka’s career and further strengthen her position among the leading players of the current generation. Her consistency at Grand Slam tournaments, particularly on hard courts, has established her as one of the most difficult players to stop when her aggressive game is working.
Her final opponent will be Elena Rybakina, who defeated Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the other semifinal. The victory also means Rybakina will take over the world No. 1 ranking from Sabalenka.
For Aryna Sabalenka, however, the ranking change is secondary to the opportunity ahead. She now has one final match between herself and a place in US Open history.
After another decisive victory over Pegula, the defending champion will return to Arthur Ashe Stadium with the chance to complete a remarkable three-peat and extend her dominance over one of tennis’ biggest stages.
