Sabalenka stages steely comeback to reach third straight US Open final

WEB DESK: Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka displayed grit and composure to rally from a set down and beat Jessica Pegula, securing her place in a third consecutive US Open final. The Belarusian, top seed in New York, prevailed 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a gripping rematch of last year’s final, keeping alive her pursuit of a fourth Grand Slam singles crown.

Pegula, the fourth seed and American home hope, appeared poised to avenge her 2024 loss when she capitalised on Sabalenka’s early errors to snatch the opening set. Sabalenka had led 4-2 but faltered, allowing Pegula to break twice and close out with a confident hold to love. The Flushing Meadows crowd roared its approval as the 30-year-old American looked in command.

But Sabalenka responded with trademark resilience. Taking a brief off-court break before the second set, she returned sharpened and broke Pegula immediately. With cleaner hitting and more disciplined shot selection, she surged ahead 3-0 and maintained control to level the contest.

The deciding set turned on a knife-edge. Sabalenka struck first with an early break but then faced immense pressure as Pegula created four chances to break back. Summoning all her experience, the world number one saved them all before sealing victory on her third match point. Her guttural roar at the finish underlined the magnitude of the comeback.

“It was a really tough match. Jessica played incredible tennis as always and I had to work really hard,” Sabalenka said. “I was just praying inside and hoping for the best. Hopefully I can go all the way again.”

The 27-year-old has now reached six straight hard-court Slam finals, though 2025 has so far been a year of near misses. She lost in the finals of the Australian and French Opens and fell in the Wimbledon semi-finals, each time undone by nerves and unforced errors reminiscent of her earlier career. Friday’s victory, however, suggested a steadier hand under pressure.

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Sabalenka, the first player since Serena Williams (2011–14) to make three straight US Open finals, will face either two-time champion Naomi Osaka or American Amanda Anisimova in Saturday’s final.

“It means a lot,” she said. “I will fight for every point like it’s the last of my life.”

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