World number one Aryna Sabalenka advanced to her third consecutive US Open final after beating American Jessica Pegula in a thrilling three-set semifinal on Friday.
The Belarusian star will now face Amanda Anisimova, who stunned Japan’s Naomi Osaka in the other semifinal.
Sabalenka, 27, recovered from a set down to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a tense battle. Pegula claimed the opening set, but Sabalenka fought back, taking control of the next two sets. In the decider, she saved crucial break points and sealed victory on her third match point with a powerful forehand.
“I had to fight really hard today. Jessica played amazing and pushed me to the limit,” Sabalenka told reporters after the match. “I’m happy to be in another final, and I hope this time I can lift the trophy.”
The world number one has now reached four of the last five Grand Slam finals. She finished runner-up at this year’s Australian Open and Roland Garros but has not won a major title since her 2024 US Open triumph.