Sabalenka Defeats Pegula to Reach US Open Final
Aryna Sabalenka produced a strong finish to overcome American Jessica Pegula 7 5, 6 2 and secure her place in the US Open final on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The victory leaves the defending champion one win away from becoming only the latest player to claim three consecutive titles at the hardcourt Grand Slam.
The top seeded Sabalenka initially struggled with her emotions and found it difficult to settle into the contest. Once she found her rhythm, however, her powerful game began to take control. She struck 29 winners and seven aces before sealing the match with a shot that Pegula could not return.
Pegula, the third seed and runner up at the 2024 US Open, began the match with considerable composure. The American saved an early break opportunity with an excellent forehand winner and looked comfortable during the opening stages.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, became increasingly frustrated. After committing a double fault in the ninth game, she expressed her anger by hitting her racket against the court. Pegula then held serve in the 10th game, prompting another visible display of frustration from the defending champion.
The turning point came when Sabalenka raised her level at the crucial moment. She broke Pegula from the baseline to take the opening set 7 5 after producing a decisive winner on set point.
Sabalenka continued her momentum into the second set. She moved ahead 3 1 after producing another powerful forehand winner from the baseline when facing a break opportunity. Pegula was unable to reproduce the controlled tennis she had shown at the beginning of the match, while errors began to hurt her chances.
Sabalenka secured another break at match point to complete the victory and advance to the final for the fourth consecutive year.
The Belarusian said she was extremely pleased with the level of tennis she managed to produce, particularly after having to battle through a difficult start. She also acknowledged that she was determined to win and wanted the victory badly.
Sabalenka received strong appreciation from the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium despite facing an American opponent. Former US first lady Michelle Obama was also among those watching from the stands.
The defending champion will now face either 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff or second seed Elena Rybakina in the title match.
The result gives Sabalenka another opportunity to extend her remarkable run at the US Open and claim a third successive championship at the New York major.