Sabalenka Rallies to Reach Third Straight US Open Final
Aryna Sabalenka edged closer to defending her US Open title after a thrilling comeback against American fourth seed Jessica Pegula, winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a tense two-hour, five-minute battle at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The world number one erupted with joy after finally sealing the victory, despite Pegula saving two match points in the 10th game. Earlier in the decisive set, Sabalenka had shown nerves of steel, saving four break points to fend off Pegula’s attempts to turn the match around.
“I really wanted another chance, another final. I wanted to prove to myself that I’ve learned from past losses and can perform better in finals,” said Sabalenka, who had lost this year’s Australian Open and French Open finals and was upset in the Wimbledon semi-finals.
She added, “I think I played great tennis and handled the pressure really well. I’m super proud of this win,” describing herself as “super emotional.”
Sabalenka’s season has not been without controversy. At Roland Garros, she faced criticism for comments after losing to Coco Gauff, suggesting her own poor play was the main reason for her defeat. “What happened in Paris will not happen here, and never again,” she said.
For Pegula, it was another frustrating near-miss, echoing last year’s final defeat to the Belarusian. “I don’t know how I didn’t break back in the third,” Pegula admitted. “She came up with some ridiculous shots… I didn’t feel like I did much wrong.”
Pegula had started strong, taking the first set after coming back from a 4-2 deficit and winning it 6-4 in front of a raucous home crowd. But Sabalenka quickly regained control in the second set, breaking Pegula early and sprinting to a 4-1 lead before closing it out to level the match.
The third set saw Pegula under pressure from the start. Though she had opportunities to fight back—going 15-40 in the sixth game and saving break points—she couldn’t convert. Sabalenka weathered another scare at 4-3, where a double fault almost allowed Pegula to level, but ultimately, she held her nerve and converted her third match point in the 10th game to win.
Sabalenka now prepares for her third consecutive US Open final, while Pegula is left to reflect on another tough loss.
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