Aryna Sabalenka stormed into the US Open final with a dominant straight-sets win over Jessica Pegula on Thursday.
The top seed defeated the American 7-5, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. As a result, Sabalenka moved one victory away from a historic third consecutive US Open title.
Sabalenka has now reached the US Open final for the fourth straight year. She won the tournament in 2024 and 2025.
Sabalenka Finds Her Best Form
The Belarusian entered the semi-final after a difficult summer.
However, she produced arguably her strongest performance of the tournament when it mattered most. Sabalenka fired 29 winners and seven aces while keeping Pegula under constant pressure.
“I was super desperate,” Sabalenka said after the match.
She added that she wanted the victory badly and was ready to do whatever it took to reach the final.
Sabalenka Breaks Pegula Late
Pegula stayed competitive throughout the opening set and frustrated Sabalenka with her serve.
The American held firm until the final stages. Yet, when Pegula served at 5-6, Sabalenka immediately raised her level.
She created three set points at 0-40. Pegula saved the first, but Sabalenka converted the next opportunity to take the opening set 7-5.
From there, Sabalenka took control.
She attacked Pegula’s second serve and broke early in the second set. Another break later put her firmly in command before she closed out the match 6-2.
Pegula Falls Short Again
The defeat ended another deep US Open run for Pegula.
The American has now faced Sabalenka at the tournament in three consecutive years. Sabalenka also stopped her title hopes in 2024 and 2025.
Pegula admitted that Sabalenka’s level was extremely high.
“I don’t really know if there was much I could do today,” she said.
Rybakina Sets Up Sabalenka US Open Final
Elena Rybakina then completed the final lineup by beating Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Gauff started strongly and claimed the first set. However, Rybakina gradually found her rhythm and fought back to force a deciding set.
The Kazakh then held her nerve during a tense third set.
Gauff briefly fought back after falling 5-3 behind. Nevertheless, Rybakina created match point in the next game and finished the contest with a 6-4 third-set victory.
Rybakina Becomes World No. 1
Rybakina’s run to the final has another major consequence.
She will become the new WTA world No. 1 after the tournament, ending Sabalenka’s reign at the top of the rankings.
However, the ranking will not be at stake in Saturday’s final.
Instead, Sabalenka will chase history while Rybakina looks for her first US Open championship.
Rybakina Wants a Stronger Game
Rybakina knows she will need to improve against Sabalenka.
The two stars have already faced each other several times this season, including the Australian Open final and major hard-court meetings.
Rybakina defeated Sabalenka in the Australian Open final earlier this year.
Now, Sabalenka will have an opportunity to respond on the biggest stage in New York.
Sabalenka Chases US Open Three-Peat
A victory would put Sabalenka alongside an elite group in women’s tennis history.
She is attempting to become only the third woman in the Open Era to win three consecutive US Open singles titles. Chris Evert and Serena Williams are the only women who have previously achieved that feat.
Sabalenka has already won the last two editions.
Now, she needs one more victory to complete a remarkable three-peat.
US Open Final Set for Saturday
The Sabalenka-Rybakina final will take place on Saturday at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Rybakina enters the match as the new world No. 1. Meanwhile, Sabalenka arrives as the two-time defending champion and one win away from another piece of tennis history.
The matchup promises a powerful battle between two of the biggest hitters in women’s tennis.
For Sabalenka, the goal is clear: one more win for three straight US Open titles.
