RismadarVoice Reporters
September 11, 2026
Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to the US Open final after defeating American third seed Jessica Pegula in straight sets, moving one victory away from securing a historic third consecutive title at the Grand Slam tournament.
The top-seeded Sabalenka overcame Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the semi-final at Arthur Ashe Stadium, recovering from an early period of frustration to deliver a dominant performance.
The defending champion produced 29 winners and seven aces during the match, using her powerful baseline game to break down Pegula’s resistance and secure her place in the final for the fourth consecutive year.
Pegula, who finished runner-up at the 2024 US Open, struggled to contain Sabalenka’s aggressive style and committed costly errors, particularly in the second set.
Sabalenka said she was determined to win after losing to Pegula in the Berlin semi-finals in June.
“I was so desperate for the win, I wanted it badly,” the Belarusian said after the match.
The victory puts Sabalenka within one match of becoming the first woman since Serena Williams to win three straight US Open titles. A triumph in the final would place her alongside Williams and Chris Evert as the only women in the Open Era to achieve the feat.
Sabalenka will face either 2023 champion Coco Gauff or second seed Elena Rybakina in the championship match.
Despite strong support for home favourite Pegula, Sabalenka received applause from the New York crowd following her victory.
“I know you wanted her to win, but thank you for being so respectful to me,” she told fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
