Aryna Sabalenka battled past Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Thursday night to reach the US Open final again, relying on heavy serving and steady nerves to turn the match around after dropping the first set.
The defending champion advanced to her seventh Grand Slam final, her fourth in the last five majors and her third straight at Flushing Meadows. She will face Amanda Anisimova for the title on Saturday.
Match Highlights: Sabalenka vs. Pegula
With rain closing the roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium, the still conditions favored clean hitting. Pegula started sharper, limiting herself to three unforced errors in the opening set, pressuring on return, and keeping Sabalenka off balance.
Sabalenka raised her level in the second set as Pegula’s accuracy dipped, producing nine errors in that set alone. By the end, the numbers tilted decisively: Sabalenka finished with 43 winners to Pegula’s 21 and struck eight aces.
The deciding set was tight throughout. Pegula carved out four break points but could not convert, repeatedly halted by Sabalenka’s first serve at key moments.
Sabalenka’s delivery, overhauled in 2022, again proved the backbone of her game and the difference late. Pegula assessed the match as high quality and felt her tactics were improved compared with recent meetings, though she could not find the late breakthrough. Sabalenka said she focused on taking the match point by point and welcomed another chance to play for the trophy, noting that a successful defense would be especially meaningful.
This victory not only demonstrates Sabalenka’s resilience but also sets the stage for an exciting final against Anisimova. Fans are eagerly anticipating how Sabalenka will adapt her strategy to secure another title at this prestigious tournament.