Aryna Sabalenka moved within one win of defending her US Open title after a hard-fought 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Jessica Pegula in the first women's semi-final at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Thursday night. The 27-year-old Belarusian overcame a slow start and an unplanned layoff to set up a final showdown with Amanda Anisimova.
Sabalenka, the world No. 1, will now aim to become the first player to successfully defend the women's singles title at Flushing Meadows since Serena Williams won three in a row from 2012 to 2014. 'It was a really tough match. I had to work hard to get this win,' Sabalenka said. 'Hopefully I can go all the way again.'
Pegula, seeded fourth, came out determined to avenge her loss to Sabalenka in last year's final. She took the first set by breaking Sabalenka twice, using clever net play and redirection to disrupt the Belarusian's rhythm. However, Sabalenka quickly regained control, winning three consecutive games in the second set and forcing Pegula into more aggressive play, which led to errors.
The key difference was Sabalenka's 43 winners compared to Pegula's 32 forced errors. Sabalenka's powerful serve and return game proved too much for the American, who struggled to score points on the Belarusian's serve. 'If she's going to blast first-ball winners, literally some of them on the line, I don't know what I'm supposed to do about that,' Pegula said.
Sabalenka will face Amanda Anisimova in Saturday's final, who holds a 6-3 head-to-head advantage and most recently beat Sabalenka at Wimbledon. Regardless of the outcome, Sabalenka will retain the No. 1 ranking, but she has made clear that titles are her priority. A win would give her 99 career grand slam main draw victories.
