Aryna Sabalenka has once again stamped her authority on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, defeating Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a gripping semifinal to reach her third consecutive U.S. Open final. The match, a rematch of last year’s final, was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, fierce rallies, and high-pressure moments that showcased the grit and firepower of both players.
A Grueling Encounter Under the Lights
Sabalenka started strong, grabbing an early lead in the first set, but Pegula, backed by a roaring home crowd, surged back with four straight games to take the opener. The Belarusian left the court briefly before the second set, returning with renewed focus and a more aggressive approach. Her shot-making sharpened, and she quickly built a 3-0 lead, eventually leveling the match.
In the final set, Sabalenka broke early and held firm despite Pegula’s relentless pressure. The American created four break point opportunities, but Sabalenka’s resolve never wavered. She saved each one with fearless groundstrokes and clutch serving, ultimately sealing the match on her third match point with a blistering forehand winner.
Sabalenka’s Reaction and Reflections
“I had to work really hard to get this win,” Sabalenka said in her post-match interview. “I’m super happy to get the win against Jessica. She’s such a great player and great fighter. Always tough matches. Super happy to be in the final again. Hopefully I can go all the way again. Of course guys, thanks for bringing the best atmosphere.”
When asked how she managed to save break point after break point in the third set, she smiled and said, “I don’t know. I was just praying inside and hoping for the best.”
Eyes on the Prize
With this victory, Sabalenka moves one step closer to defending her U.S. Open crown. She will face either Amanda Anisimova or Naomi Osaka in the final, aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams to win back-to-back titles at the tournament. After falling short in the finals of the Australian and French Opens earlier this year, Sabalenka is determined to finish the season on a high.
Her journey through the 2025 Grand Slam season has been marked by resilience and evolution. Despite setbacks, she has consistently reached the latter stages of major tournaments, and now stands poised to make history once again in New York.
Sabalenka at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2025
Ranked no.1, the Belarussian achieved a compiled 55-10 win-loss record in 2025. Aryna is now competing at the U.S. Open where she defeated the world no.108 Rebeka Masarova 7-5 6-1, the world no.67 Polina Kudermetova 7-6(4) 6-2, the world no.30 Leylah Annie Fernandez 6-3 7-6(2), the world no.95 Cristina Bucsa 6-1 6-4, the world no.60 Marketa Vondrousova w/o and the world no.4 Jessica Pegula 4-6 6-3 6-4.
Sabalenka has won 3 titles in 2025 in Brisbane, Miami and Madrid. The Belarussian was the runner-up at the Australian Open, in Indian Wells (BNP Paribas Open), in Stuttgart (Porsche Tennis Grand Prix) and at the French Open.
The Belarussian won 20 titles in her career: 15 on hard courts, 3 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Jessica Pegula in 2025
At the moment ranked no.4, the American played her last match on the 4th of September when she capitulated to world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka 4-6 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal of the U.S. Open (draw).
Currently, during this year Jessica has achieved an overall 42-17 win-loss record. Pegula has won 3 titles in 2025 in Austin, Charleston and Bad Homburg. Jessica got to the final in Adelaide and Miami.
Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula played each other 10 times. Their head to head is 8-2 for Sabalenka.