Aryna Sabalenka overwhelms Jessica Pegula to book a place in another US Open final
By Jacob Lev, CNN
(CNN) — Women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka advanced to her fourth straight US Open final after defeating No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 on Thursday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The first set was not a walk in the park for the two-time reigning champion.
The Belarusian star and the American traded games back and forth until the deciding game, where Sabalenka dominated Pegula’s serve to avoid a first-set tiebreak and win the opener 7-5.
Sabalenka quickly went up 4-1 in the second set before Pegula battled to take the sixth game. But frustration boiled over for Pegula after dropping the next game, which resulted in her throwing her racket to the ground.
With former first lady Michelle Obama looking on, Sabalenka clinched another title chance this weekend with a strong forehand that Pegula failed to connect with. She has now won 19 straight matches at the US Open.
The 28-year-old won this tournament in 2024 and 2025 after losing to Coco Gauff in the 2023 championship match.
Afterward, Sabalenka said she had “no complaints” about how the match went.
“Last time I played Jessica, it was almost impossible to get the win, so I am super happy to play such tennis in front of you all,” Sabalenka addressed the crowd while speaking to ESPN.
“Thank you for the atmosphere, and honestly guys, you are the best. Your respect to me is priceless and I know you wanted (Pegula) to win but thank you for being so respectful to me.”
Sabalenka once again rocked some custom jewelry during the match that has people talking. She previously said her vintage-looking Material Good necklace looks heavy, but it isn’t. “It’s very chic, bright and light,” she said.
She will now await the winner of the second women’s semifinal.
Up next: (2) Elena Rybakina vs (4) Coco Gauff
The second of two women’s semifinals on Thursday pits new world No. 1 Elena Rybakina against No. 4 seed Coco Gauff with a trip to Saturday’s final against Sabalenka on the line.
The 27-year-old Rybakina is looking to make her first finals appearance at Flushing Meadows and win her third grand slam in her career.
The 22-year-old Gauff won this tournament three years ago in her only previous finals appearance. The American superstar last won a major in 2025, when she beat Sabalenka at Roland Garros.
The women’s final is scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m. ET.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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