Aryna Sabalenka showcased her trademark resilience Thursday night, overcoming Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a grueling US Open semifinal that kept fans on edge until the final shot. The Belarusian world No. 1 now stands one win away from becoming the first player since Serena Williams (2014) to claim consecutive titles at Flushing Meadows.
From Setback to Comeback
After dropping the first set, Sabalenka recalibrated her explosive groundstrokes while maintaining the aggressive net play that's defined her 2023 season. The 2-hour, 15-minute clash saw 27 winners from the defending champion, who erased memories of her recent Grand Slam final losses in Melbourne and Paris.
Historic Opportunity Awaits
Sabalenka's path to redemption now leads to Saturday's final against either Naomi Osaka or Amanda Anisimova. A victory would cement her status as the tour's most consistent big-stage performer, having reached at least the semifinals in six of the last seven majors.
The match's climax came during a tension-filled ninth game of the third set, when Sabalenka converted her third match point with a crosscourt backhand that left Pegula stranded. Her triumphant roar echoed through Arthur Ashe Stadium, a visceral release after surviving 33 unforced errors.
