Aryna Sabalenka Closes In on Historic US Open Three-Peat with Semifinal Dominance

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 10: Aryna Sabalenka celebrates a point against Jessica Pegula of the United States during their Women’s Singles Semifinal match on Day Twelve of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2026 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Only two women in history have achieved a three-peat at the U.S. Open, and both are considered among the greatest players of all time. Chrissie Evert accomplished the feat four times consecutively from 1975 to 1978, while Serena Williams secured three straight titles between 2012 and 2014.

Now, Aryna Sabalenka has the opportunity to etch her name alongside these legends. The top-seeded Belarusian advanced to Saturday’s championship match with a commanding 7-5, 6-2 win over third seed Jessica Pegula in the first women’s semifinal on Thursday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Sabalenka has now won 20 consecutive matches at the U.S. Open and became the first woman since Williams to reach four straight finals at the tournament.

“That was just flawless from Sabalenka,” said former world number one Caroline Wozniacki during ESPN coverage. “Pegula didn’t play poorly, but Sabalenka’s serve was working, her returns were effective, and she crushed every second serve she faced. She moved the ball wide, and everything seemed to go her way. When she’s playing like this, she’s virtually unbeatable.”

This marks the third consecutive year these two competitors have met in Flushing Meadows. Sabalenka defeated Pegula in the 2024 final and then overcame her in three sets during last year’s semifinals en route to claiming her second consecutive title.

“No complaints,” Sabalenka said on court. “I’m thrilled I could produce this level of tennis. The last time I played against Jessica, it was nearly impossible for me to win. I’m incredibly happy I could play this way in front of you all tonight. Thank you for the incredible atmosphere. You’ve been amazing. I know many of you were rooting for Jessica, but I appreciate your respect. It means everything to me. I love you guys.”

In Saturday’s final, Sabalenka will pursue the three-peat against either second-seeded Elena Rybakina, who recently surpassed Sabalenka as the world number one, or third seed Coco Gauff, the 2023 champion.

When asked before the semifinals whether she would prefer the world number one ranking or securing the three-peat, Sabalenka responded without hesitation: “A three-peat sounds fantastic.”

Sabalenka now holds a 10-4 record against Pegula, who continues her search for a first grand slam title.

Pegula has struggled against the top tier in 2026, posting a 1-6 record against Sabalenka, Rybakina, and Gauff combined. Her sole victory during this stretch came against Sabalenka on grass in Berlin.

Falling behind early in the first set, Pegula faced multiple opportunities to extend the opening set but was unable to capitalize. Sabalenka seized control at 5-6, converting her fourth consecutive point after Pegula netted a forehand following Sabalenka’s precise shot that clipped the sideline.

Both players maintained strong first-serve percentages above 70% throughout the first set, contributing to the competitive start.

In the second set, Sabalenka broke serve to take a 3-1 lead with a powerful 91 mph inside-out crosscourt forehand winner that showcased her aggressive baseline play.

She followed that momentum by hitting a running forehand winner up the line to comfortably hold serve for a 4-1 advantage.

With Pegula serving to stay in the match at 2-5, the American committed a costly double fault before sending a backhand long to create match point at 30-40.

On the final point, Sabalenka unleashed a fierce forehand winner into the corner, then celebrated by raising her fist in triumph.

Source link