Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka moved closer to securing her third consecutive U.S. Open title on Thursday, delivering a decisive performance against third-seeded Jessica Pegula in the women’s singles semifinal in New York. The Belarusian star claimed victory with a straight-sets win, 7-5, 6-2, showcasing her formidable power and strategic prowess on the court.

The highly anticipated matchup saw an evenly contested first set, with both athletes exchanging powerful shots and tactical plays. However, Sabalenka shifted gears late in the opening frame, capitalizing on Pegula’s second serve vulnerabilities to gain crucial momentum. This surge carried directly into the second set, where Sabalenka displayed what many are calling her most impressive tennis of the tournament so far.

Sabalenka’s commanding performance secures final berth

The initial set was a tight affair, reflecting the high stakes of a Grand Slam semifinal between two of the world’s best players. Pegula demonstrated resilience, matching Sabalenka’s intensity through much of the early exchanges. However, as the set neared its conclusion, Sabalenka found an extra level, converting key break points and asserting control. Her ability to elevate her game under pressure proved to be the turning point, allowing her to close out the first set and dictate the pace thereafter.

Following the hard-fought first set, Sabalenka maintained her aggressive stance, unleashing a barrage of winners that left Pegula struggling to keep pace. The second set unfolded as a testament to Sabalenka’s current form, with her serve proving particularly potent and her groundstrokes consistently finding their mark. She recorded an impressive 29 winners throughout the match, significantly outpacing Pegula’s 12, illustrating the disparity in offensive output.

• Sabalenka secured the win in straight sets: 7-5, 6-2.
• She hit 29 winners compared to Pegula’s 12.
• The victory marks her 19th consecutive win at the U.S. Open.
• Sabalenka will compete for her third consecutive U.S. Open title.
• Her next opponent will be either Elena Rybakina or Coco Gauff.

“No complaints,” the 28-year-old Belarusian remarked after sealing her spot in Saturday’s final. “I’m just super happy that I was able to pull out such tennis.” Her comments underscore the satisfaction with her performance, particularly given the high pressure of a major semifinal. This candid reflection highlights the mental fortitude often required at the highest levels of professional tennis.

Road to a historic three-peat

Sabalenka’s journey to this final has been marked by consistent dominance, and she now stands on the brink of a historic achievement. A victory in the upcoming final would make her the first woman since the legendary Serena Williams, who accomplished the feat between 2012 and 2014, to win three consecutive U.S. Open singles titles. This potential milestone elevates the significance of Saturday’s match beyond a mere championship, placing it firmly in the annals of tennis history.

Her path to the final will see her face the victor of the other semifinal clash between second seed Elena Rybakina and fourth seed Coco Gauff. Both opponents present unique challenges, but Sabalenka’s current momentum and powerful game make her a formidable contender regardless of who emerges from the other bracket. The anticipation surrounding the final is palpable, as fans await to see if history will be made.

Dominant form and future challenges

The current tournament has showcased Sabalenka’s evolution as a player, blending raw power with improved consistency and strategic depth. Her previous encounters with Pegula at the U.S. Open, including a win in the 2024 final and a semifinal victory in 2025, were significantly tighter affairs. This year’s semifinal, however, turned into a more one-sided contest, demonstrating Sabalenka’s enhanced control and confidence on court.

Despite her current reign as the world number one, Sabalenka is set to cede the top ranking to Elena Rybakina next week, irrespective of the final’s outcome. Sabalenka, however, expressed contentment with this shift earlier in the week, stating she was “fine ceding No. 1” after holding the position. This perspective suggests a focus on Grand Slam titles and overall performance rather than solely on the numerical ranking, which is often a temporary measure of success in the highly competitive world of professional tennis.

Sabalenka’s impressive streak at the U.S. Open includes 19 consecutive match victories since her defeat to Coco Gauff in the 2023 final. This sustained period of success underscores her formidable presence in this particular Grand Slam event. Her determination was evident in her post-match comments, where she stated, “I was so desperate for the win, I wanted it badly.” This hunger for victory, combined with her exceptional skill, positions her strongly for the upcoming final.