Aryna Sabalenka Wins US Open Semifinal
Aryna Sabalenka has reached the 2026 US Open final after defeating Jessica Pegula in straight sets in the semi-final. The defending champion won the match 7-5, 6-2 and moved one step closer to making history by winning the US Open title for a third consecutive year.
The semi-final was another important chapter in the rivalry between Sabalenka and Pegula. The two players have faced each other several times in New York, with Sabalenka winning their meetings in 2024 and 2025. This year’s semi-final was their third consecutive meeting at the US Open. Before the match, Sabalenka had a 9-4 advantage in their overall head-to-head record.
The opening set was closely contested, with both players fighting for every point. Pegula managed to stay competitive for much of the set, but Sabalenka produced her best tennis when it mattered most. She eventually won the set 7-5.
Sabalenka carried that momentum into the second set. She put Pegula under pressure from the beginning and secured an early break. Pegula struggled to find a way back into the match as Sabalenka continued to attack with powerful groundstrokes and strong serving. The Belarusian eventually closed out the second set 6-2 to secure her place in the final.
Sabalenka delivered another impressive performance on serve and from the baseline. She finished the match with seven aces and 29 winners, showing the power and consistency that have made her one of the leading players in women’s tennis.
The victory also keeps Sabalenka’s hopes alive of completing a remarkable run at Flushing Meadows. Winning the tournament for a third straight year would further strengthen her position among the top players of her generation.
Sabalenka’s opponent in the final will be decided by the second semi-final between Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina. The final promises to be another major test for Sabalenka as she looks to add another Grand Slam trophy to her collection.
Sabalenka has enjoyed another strong season, reaching major finals and consistently performing well at the biggest tournaments. If she wins the US Open final, she will claim her third consecutive US Open championship and her fourth Grand Slam singles title overall.