Aryna Sabalenka powers past Jessica Pegula to reach third consecutive US Open final

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka displayed trademark resilience and unrelenting power to keep her US Open title defence alive, overcoming a spirited challenge from Jessica Pegula with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory in Thursday's semi-final at Flushing Meadows.

The world No. 1, who defeated Pegula in last year's final, once again proved too strong for the American when it mattered most, extending her dominance in the head-to-head and booking a third successive US Open final.

Sabalenka is now one victory away from becoming the first woman to defend the New York crown since Serena Williams won three in a row between 2012 and 2014. She will face either Naomi Osaka or Amanda Anisimova in Saturday's championship match.

"She played incredible tennis. I had to work really hard to get this win," said Sabalenka.

PEGULA TESTS SABALENKA

This encounter was a far sterner test than Sabalenka's straight-sets win 12 months ago. Backed by a partisan crowd, Pegula made an assured start, matching the top seed's intensity from the baseline and serving with authority. After Sabalenka broke in the sixth game to move 4-2 ahead, Pegula responded immediately, breaking back before reeling off 16 of the next 20 points. The American's forehand dictated the rallies, and a mistimed error from Sabalenka handed her the opening set 6-4. Pegula's serving numbers underlined her dominance—she landed 77 per cent of first serves and won nearly three-quarters of those points.

Sensing the danger, Sabalenka took a medical time-out, briefly leaving the court before returning with renewed intent. Her authority on serve and power from the baseline shifted the contest. The Belarusian raced to a 3-0 lead in the second set, striking 15 winners while not facing a single break point. Pegula's accuracy dipped, her first-serve percentage falling to 47 per cent, and Sabalenka pounced, sealing the set 6-3 to level the match.

The decider became a gripping test of nerve. Sabalenka broke early for a 2-0 lead, but Pegula held twice to love and forced the top seed into long, tense service games. At 3-2, Sabalenka saved three break points with thunderous first serves, showcasing her resolve under pressure. Pegula kept pushing, creating further chances at 4-3, but the defending champion refused to yield.

The closing stages brought high drama. Serving for the match at 5-4, Sabalenka squandered two match points, missing a smash on the first and a routine volley on the second. But the 26-year-old quickly regrouped, stayed aggressive, and converted her third opportunity after two hours and 18 minutes. She finished with 43 winners to Pegula's 21, her fearless shot-making making the difference.