Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a thrilling US Open 2025 semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York on the night of September 4. The world number 1 from Belarus overcame the American in a nearly two-hour match, securing her place in the tournament’s final. With an aggressive game and moments of high intensity, Sabalenka bounced back from losing the first set to keep her title defense, won in 2024, alive. The match, marked by break-point exchanges and fiercely contested points, showcased Sabalenka’s resilience and Pegula’s determination as she aimed for her second Grand Slam final. The victory reinforces Sabalenka’s dominance on hard courts and her consistency in major tournaments.
The semifinal was a display of top-tier tennis, with both athletes proving why they rank among the world’s best. Sabalenka, with her signature power, faced a combative Pegula, backed by the home crowd. The match reflected their growing rivalry, their tenth encounter, with Sabalenka extending her head-to-head lead to 9-2.
- Key match moments: Sabalenka struggled early but adjusted her strategy in the second set.
- Crowd support: Pegula had strong backing from the Arthur Ashe audience but couldn’t convert critical chances.
- Recent history: The win mirrors the 2024 US Open final, also won by Sabalenka.
Journey to the semifinal
Sabalenka reached the semifinal with an impeccable run, dropping no sets until facing Pegula. Her path included a comfortable win over Leylah Fernandez in the third round and a walkover in the quarters when Marketa Vondrousova withdrew due to injury. The world number 1 showed consistency in 2025, with titles in Madrid and Miami, plus finals at the Australian Open and Roland Garros. Her physical and mental preparation was evident, especially after navigating pressure points against Pegula.
Pegula also had a strong campaign, not dropping a set until the semifinal. Her 6-3, 6-3 victory over Barbora Krejcikova in the quarters highlighted her ability to handle top opponents. The American, ranked number 4, had a standout year, reaching five finals in 2025, including wins in Austin, Charleston, and Bad Homburg. Despite the loss, her performance underscores her growth in Grand Slams, where she seeks her first title.
- Sabalenka: Undefeated in sets until the semifinal, faced only one ranked opponent before Pegula.
- Pegula: Defeated players outside the top 50 until the quarters, showing consistency.
- Head-to-head: Sabalenka won the last three finals against Pegula, all in straight sets.
Tactical highlights
The semifinal featured contrasting strategies. Sabalenka relied on her power, hitting 8 aces with a 67% first-serve success rate, while Pegula aimed to extend rallies, with 59% first-serve accuracy and 71% points won on it. The match had high-stakes moments, particularly in the third set, when Sabalenka saved three crucial break points to hold a 4-2 lead. The Belarusian converted 3 of 7 break points, while Pegula capitalized on 2 of 7, reflecting their balanced opportunities.
Sabalenka adjusted after the first set, cutting down unforced errors and boosting aggression on return points. Pegula, though defensively solid, struggled with 4 double faults compared to Sabalenka’s 3 and lower second-serve efficiency (70% vs. 61%). Sabalenka’s composure in decisive moments sealed the win.
- Aces and serves: Sabalenka led with 8 aces against Pegula’s 3.
- Return points: Sabalenka won 33 points on return, compared to Pegula’s 27.
- Consecutive games: Sabalenka won up to 7 straight games, dominating key stretches.
Historical rivalry
Sabalenka and Pegula share a rivalry defined by high-stakes matches. Since 2021, they’ve clashed in major tournaments, with Sabalenka holding the edge in most. The 2024 US Open final, won by Sabalenka 7-5, 7-5, foreshadowed the 2025 semifinal. Sabalenka also beat Pegula in Cincinnati (2024) and Miami (2025), both in straight sets. Pegula’s lone recent win came at the 2023 WTA Finals, proving she can challenge the world number 1.
Sabalenka’s Grand Slam consistency is remarkable: she reached at least the quarterfinals in 11 of her last 13 majors. Pegula, though less experienced in Grand Slam semifinals (her second), showed growth, especially on hard courts, where she won 15 of 16 matches in the 2025 North American season.
- Finals matchups: Sabalenka beat Pegula in all three U.S. finals they contested.
- 2025 performance: Sabalenka won 2 WTA 1000 titles; Pegula claimed 3 smaller tournaments.
- Pegula’s growth: The American reached her second Grand Slam semifinal, both at the US Open.
Atmosphere at Arthur Ashe
The 23,000-seat Arthur Ashe Stadium hosted a vibrant atmosphere, with the American crowd heavily supporting Pegula. Despite the challenging environment, Sabalenka maintained emotional control, a skill she credited to her growth since losing the 2023 final to Coco Gauff. The Belarusian noted her improved handling of pressure against a local opponent as key to her victory.
Pegula fed off the crowd’s energy, especially in the first set, turning a 2-4 deficit into a 6-4 win. However, Sabalenka’s intensity in the second and third sets neutralized the crowd’s advantage. The players exchanged applause at the match’s end, reflecting mutual respect, with Pegula acknowledging Sabalenka’s edge in critical moments.
- Crowd: The audience tried to lift Pegula, but Sabalenka stayed focused.
- Resilience: Sabalenka saved key break points, showcasing mental strength.
- Mutual respect: Both players exchanged praise post-match.
Next challenges
Sabalenka now faces the winner of the other women’s semifinal in the US Open final, set for September 6. Her 2025 campaign cements her as a favorite, particularly on hard courts, where she holds a 27-1 record in Grand Slams over the past two years. The Belarusian aims for her second US Open title and third career Grand Slam, following wins in Australia (2023 and 2024).
For Pegula, the loss doesn’t overshadow her impressive season. She is expected to return to the WTA top 3 and continues her pursuit of a first Grand Slam title. Her 2025 US Open performance solidifies her status as a top hard-court player, with potential for more in 2026.
- Women’s final: Sabalenka awaits her opponent for Saturday’s showdown.
- WTA ranking: Pegula is set to climb to 3rd place post-tournament.
- Sabalenka’s future: The world number 1 aims to cement her Grand Slam dominance.
