Sabalenka Cruises into US Open Final, Eyes Third Straight Title
Aryna Sabalenka beat Jessica Pegula in straight sets to reach her eighth consecutive hard-court Grand Slam final. She is now one victory away from becoming the third woman in the Open Era to win three straight US Open titles. Sabalenka will face either Elena Rybakina or Coco Gauff in Sunday's championship match.
Sabalenka's semifinal win featured a tight opening set where both players held serve comfortably until she earned a late break. She then raised her level in the second set, relying on her aggressive serve-and-forehand pattern to take control.
The top seed struck 29 winners and claimed 14 of 19 points on her opponent's second serve. This marks the third straight year she has ended Pegula's title bid, and she now awaits either Elena Rybakina or Coco Gauff in Sunday's final.
Sabalenka's continued dominance could solidify her status as the defining player of this era on hard courts. Her potential three-peat may inspire a new generation of aggressive baseliners, while also raising questions about the competitive balance in women's tennis. For fans, a Sunday final against either Rybakina or Gauff could deliver a compelling narrative, potentially boosting viewership and highlighting the sport's depth. The outcome may also influence how future players approach second-serve returns.