Open final after defeating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 on Thursday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Sabalenka will face Elena Rybakina in the championship match, where a victory would secure a rare three-peat at Flushing Meadows.
The match, played on a dank, heavy night
in Arthur Ashe Stadium, saw Sabalenka dominate from the second set onward. She secured the victory in one hour, 36 minutes, hitting 29 winners compared to Pegula’s 12. Pegula, the 2024 U.S. Open runner-up, admitted after the match that Sabalenka “played insane” and that 今日、私ができることはたくさんありました。
Sabalenka’s path to the final was marked by a resurgence in form. The Belarusian, who had struggled since April 2026, described herself as mentally and physically really strong
in a post-match news conference. Her performance against Pegula came after a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 hard-court victory over the American at the 2025 WTA Finals Riyadh group stage, a result that hinted at her improved consistency.
Aryna Sabalenka cruises past Jessica Pegula and into the
Open final, a feat that places her in a historic position. If she defeats Rybakina, Sabalenka would join Chris Evert and Serena Williams as the only women to achieve a three-peat. The U.S. Open is considered the hardest Grand Slam to defend, as it occurs late in the season when players are often fatigued.
The semifinal matchup between Sabalenka and Pegula was the 14th chapter of their rivalry, which Sabalenka leads 9-4. Their most recent encounter, a 6-4, 6-7 (4), 6-0 loss for Sabalenka at the 2026 Berlin semifinals, had raised questions about her ability to maintain dominance. However, her performance against Pegula in New York showcased a super high level
of play, according to Pegula.
The U.S. Open semifinals also marked a historic moment for the tournament. For the second time in the Open Era, the top four women’s seeds advanced to the semifinals, following the 1975 tournament. It was the first such occurrence at any Grand Slam since Wimbledon 2009. Open history.
Who of the top four will play in the
Rybakina, who replaced Sabalenka as the world No. 1 on Monday, will face Sabalenka in the final after defeating Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the other semifinal. Open final since 2011.
Sabalenka’s potential three-peat comes amid a shift in the WTA rankings. She had held the No. 1 spot for 99 consecutive weeks but admitted in a post-match interview that her “poor summer” allowed Rybakina to close the gap. Rybakina’s semifinal run secured her the top ranking, a change that Sabalenka acknowledged but dismissed as secondary to her focus on the U.S. Open title.
The significance of Sabalenka’s achievement extends beyond individual glory. Her potential three-peat would highlight her resilience, particularly after a period of inconsistent form. In the 2026 season, Sabalenka had been eminently beatable
since April, often beating herself in big spots. However, her performance in New York demonstrated a return to the dominance that defined her early 2026 campaign.
No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka rolls past Jessica Pegula
The U.S. Open semifinals also featured other notable moments. Pegula, who had defeated Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-1 in the third round, advanced to the semifinals for the seventh consecutive year. Pegula credited her improved second-serve strategy for her success against Kenin.
The match also underscored the physical and mental demands of the tournament. Sabalenka’s ability to adapt to the “dank, heavy” conditions and maintain her focus against a top-10 opponent like Pegula highlighted her elite status.
The final between Sabalenka and Rybakina will be a clash of styles. Sabalenka, known for her aggressive baseline play and powerful groundstrokes, faces Rybakina, who relies on precision and consistency. Their previous meeting in the 2026 Australian Open final saw Rybakina victory, adding a layer of intrigue to their upcoming showdown.
As the tennis world turns its attention to Saturday’s final, the focus remains on Sabalenka’s quest for history. If she succeeds, she will not only join an elite group of players but also cement her legacy as one of the sport’s greatest competitors. For now, Sabalenka’s words after the semifinal—私がただ、こんなテニスを勝ち取ることができたことにすごく嬉しいです—reflect the confidence and determination that have carried her to the brink of a historic achievement.