US Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka Powers Past Jessica Pegula to Reach Final, Eyes Historic Three-Peat
Aryna Sabalenka, 28, has defeated Jessica Pegula, 32, in the US Open 2026 semifinals, setting her sights on a historic third consecutive title. The World No. 1 now awaits her opponent, either Elena Rybakina or Coco Gauff, in the women's singles final at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continued her relentless march towards a historic US Open three-peat, dismantling American hopeful Jessica Pegula in a commanding semifinal performance on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The 28-year-old Belarusian showcased her formidable power and precision, closing out the second set with ease to book her spot in Saturday's championship match. Sabalenka's victory sets the stage for a monumental final, as she seeks to become the first woman in decades to claim three consecutive US Open singles titles, following her triumphs in 2024 and 2025. US Open 2026: Alexander Zverev Dominates Botic van de Zandschulp to Reach Semis.
Aryna Sabalenka Storms into US Open Final
THREE-PEAT: STILL ON 🗽
Aryna Sabalenka defeats Pegula 7-5, 6-2 and will once again compete in the US Open championship match on Saturday! pic.twitter.com/1mLbWR0HXG
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 11, 2026
Road to the Final: Sabalenka's Dominance
Sabalenka, born on May 5, 1998, has been in imperious form throughout the tournament, displaying the kind of unwavering focus expected from a top seed. Her semifinal victory over the 32-year-old Pegula (born February 24, 1994) was a testament to her current dominance on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. This win adds another chapter to their burgeoning rivalry; while Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 9-4, Pegula had managed to win two of their last three encounters, including a recent triumph on grass in Berlin in June 2026. However, this time, the Belarusian left no doubt about her superiority, especially in the crucial second set.
The Final Showdown: Rybakina or Gauff Await
Sabalenka will face a stern test in the final against either Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina or American fan-favourite Coco Gauff. The second semifinal, featuring these two titans, is yet to conclude, promising another thrilling contest for tennis enthusiasts. The 27-year-old Rybakina (born June 17, 1999) is currently ranked world No. 2 and is slated to claim the No. 1 spot next week, while the 22-year-old Gauff (born March 13, 2004) has also been in exceptional form this season. The women's singles final is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium. US Open 2026: Ben Shelton Topples Defending Champion Carlos Alcaraz in Five-Set Flushing Meadows Classic.
Head-to-Head Records
Here's a look at Sabalenka's head-to-head records against her potential final opponents:
| Opponent | Sabalenka's Record (W-L) | Most Recent Encounter (Date & Result) |
|---|---|---|
| Elena Rybakina | 10-7 | March 2026, Miami Open Semifinals: Sabalenka won 6-4, 6-3 |
| Coco Gauff | 7-6 | March 2026, Miami Open: Sabalenka won 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 |
Sabalenka's pursuit of a third consecutive US Open title, following her victories in 2024 and 2025, positions her on the brink of tennis immortality. The final promises to be a captivating encounter as she battles for a place in the history books.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 11, 2026 10:03 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
