World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka once again proved why she is the reigning queen of Flushing Meadows, battling past Jessica Pegula in a high-voltage semifinal. The Belarusian powered her way to a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory, keeping her title defence alive and booking a third consecutive US Open final. Here’s how the thriller unfolded:
1. history in the Making
Sabalenka is now just one win away from becoming the first woman since Serena Williams (2012–2014) to defend the US Open crown. If she lifts the trophy on Saturday, it will cement her place among the modern great
2. Pegula Strikes First Blood
Backed by the roaring New York crowd, Pegula came out swinging. Her forehand dictated play, and she served with precision—landing 77% of her first serves and winning nearly three-quarters of those points. She reeled off 16 of 20 points in a dominant stretch, clinching the opening set 6-4.
3. A Medical Timeout, A Mental Reset
At 0-1 down in sets, Sabalenka took a brief medical time-out, returning with fire in her eyes. The break seemed to recharge her both physically and mentally, setting the stage for a powerful turnaround.
4. Sabalenka Unleashes Her Power Game
The second set was vintage Sabalenka. With booming groundstrokes and unplayable first serves, she raced to a 3-0 lead. Pegula’s accuracy dipped, her first-serve percentage falling to 47%, and Sabalenka seized control to take the set 6-3.
5. Nerve-Wracking Decider
The final set turned into a mental battle. Sabalenka broke early for 2-0, but Pegula refused to fold, holding to love twice and pushing the top seed into marathon service games. At 3-2, Sabalenka showed steel, saving three break points with thunderous serves.
6. Sabalenka’s Clutch service Saves
When under pressure, champions deliver. Sabalenka saved multiple break points with fearless first serves, refusing to allow Pegula back into the match. Her ability to stay aggressive in crunch moments kept her ahead.
7. Drama at the Finish Line
Serving at 5-4, Sabalenka had two match points slip away—one on a botched smash, another on a missed volley. But she regrouped instantly, converting her third chance to seal the win after two hours and 18 minutes of drama.
8. The Numbers Tell the Story
Sabalenka’s fearless approach was clear in the stats:
- 43 winners to Pegula’s 21
- Won 68% of first-serve points
- Dominated baseline rallies with raw power
Pegula fought valiantly, but Sabalenka’s relentless shot-making tilted the contest.
9. Respect Between Rivals
Post-match, Sabalenka praised her opponent: “She played incredible tennis. I had to work really hard to get this win.” The respect highlighted the intensity of their growing rivalry.
10. Eyes on the Final
Sabalenka now awaits either Naomi Osaka or Amanda Anisimova in Saturday’s championship match. With her current form and mental fortitude, the defending champion looks primed to chase history in New York.
Final Whistle
From a shaky start to a thunderous finish, Sabalenka reminded the tennis world why she is World No.1. Her mix of power, resilience, and clutch play has taken her to a third straight US Open final—and possibly to another chapter of tennis history.
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