US Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka Storms Past Jessica Pegula to Reach Fourth Successive US Open Final
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Sabalenka Storms Past Pegula to Reach US Open Final
Aryna Sabalenka is the first player – male or female – to reach eight successive hard-court Grand Slam finals.
By Emily Salley, BBC Sport journalist
Published 2 hours ago
Aryna Sabalenka powered past home hope Jessica Pegula in an impressive display to secure a 7-5 6-2 victory and reach the final of the US Open in New York.
The Belarusian, who will surrender her world number one ranking on Monday, raised her level when it mattered most to book her 20th successive win at Flushing Meadows.
"I was so desperate to win, I wanted it badly," said Sabalenka. "No complaints, I am super happy to pull out such good tennis."
She will face either Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina or American fourth seed Coco Gauff in Saturday’s showpiece.
For 32-year-old Pegula, it is another US Open defeat by long-time rival Sabalenka. The Belarusian denied third seed Pegula a maiden major in the 2024 final, while she also got the better of her in last year’s semi-finals.
Sabalenka is aiming to become the first player since Serena Williams to win three successive US Open women’s singles titles. Only Williams and Chris Evert have achieved that feat in the Open era.
Despite a poor run-up to the tournament, Sabalenka has found her form again, dropping just one set en route to the final.
In a tense opening set, Sabalenka bristled with frustration early on as unforced errors crept into her game while Pegula settled quickly and struck the ball cleanly. However, Sabalenka found her rhythm and, after striking decisively at 6-5 to take the first set, she cranked up the power in the second.
Pegula looked helpless as Sabalenka raced through the second set, pounding 29 winners to her 12.
