Sabalenka beats Pegula to set up Rybakina epic in US Open final

Aryna Sabalenka moved into the US Open final with a straight-sets victory over Jessica Pegula, prevailing 7-5, 6-2 on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Belarusian produced powerful groundstrokes throughout, overpowering Pegula and keeping her bid for a third successive US Open title alive. Sabalenka has previously beaten Pegula at this venue during her 2024 and 2025 title runs.

The opening set was tight, with Sabalenka showing visible frustration early but staying focused when it mattered. She applied relentless pressure on Pegula’s serves and, after forcing a late service game at 6-5, converted the decisive break to take the set. In the second set she continued to attack Pegula’s second delivery, carving out a break for a 3-1 lead and closing the match with another thunderous forehand.

Elena Rybakina reached the final after rallying past 2023 champion Coco Gauff in three sets. After dropping the first set, Rybakina recovered with an early break in the second and sealed the match in a closely fought third set, finishing 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. The Kazakh’s semifinal run also ensures she will replace Sabalenka at the top of the world rankings ahead of the final.

The title match on Saturday carries significant historical weight. Sabalenka is attempting to become only the third woman, after Chris Evert and Serena Williams, to win three consecutive US Open singles titles, while Rybakina will try to defeat her again after beating Sabalenka to win the Australian Open in January. The tournament still features the men’s semifinals on Friday, where Ben Shelton faces Frances Tiafoe for a place in the men’s final.