Sabalenka beats Pegula to set up Rybakina epic in US Open final

What the report says

Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the US Open women’s final after defeating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in straight sets on Thursday at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, according to Al Jazeera’s report based on AFP coverage. The win keeps Sabalenka’s bid for a third consecutive US Open title alive, a feat that would place her alongside a small group of past champions with three straight wins at the event.

Sabalenka will face Elena Rybakina in Saturday’s final after the Kazakh player beat 2023 champion Coco Gauff in three sets. The matchup carries extra significance because Rybakina’s run to the final means she will take over the world No 1 ranking from Sabalenka. Sabalenka and Rybakina also have recent history in major finals, having met in the Australian Open final earlier in the year.

The report said Sabalenka was especially sharp against Pegula, using heavy groundstrokes and attacking a vulnerable second serve to pull away after a tense opening set. Pegula said she felt Sabalenka’s level was very high and that she had few answers on the day.

Al Jazeera also noted the broader tournament context: Gauff’s defeat ended her push for another final, while the men’s semifinals were scheduled for Friday, with Ben Shelton facing Frances Tiafoe in an all-American contest.