Sabalenka scores reverse sweep over Pegula to reach the US Open finals

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Aryna Sabalenka survived Jessica Pegula in a three-set semifinal thriller, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, to keep her US Open title defense alive on Sept. 5, 2025, at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

Fresh off a walkover freebie win against the injured Marketa Vondrousova, Sabalenka had the luxury to take more time off to prepare for the semifinals, but court rust hindered her chances of pouncing on Pegula in the opening set.

Hounded by early unforced baseline errors and loose second-service possessions, Pegula capitalized on Sabalenka’s atypical first-set performance and made her work for every point.

Pegula took the game to the reigning US Open queen, attacking on every slow-paced second-set serve while unleashing power-packed drives that landed at will to Sabalenka’s backhand side.

Despite a rejuvenated groundstroke game from Sabalenka in the final two-game sets of the opener, Pegula sealed the 1-0 lead with a service hold, fueled by a captivating slice spin drop shot to reach set-point.

Just when Pegula thought she could sustain her momentum, the 27-year-old Belarusian ace quickly flipped the script by racing to a comfortable 3-0 advantage to kick off the second frame on a high note.

From an error-plagued first set, Sabalenka found her groundstrokes rhythm in the most perfect time of the second to return to the driver’s seat.

Sabalenka banked on her bread and butter, schooling Pegula in the baseline and outdueled her in the forehand winner tally in the second set, 13-4.

From that point, Sabalenka held on to her momentum, protecting all her service possessions in the third set to complete the massive come-from-behind win.

Sabalenka completed her comeback victory with 90 total points won, including three break points and 27 markers on return.

“It was a really tough match,” Sabalenka said during her postgame interview.

“I had to work really hard to get this win. I’m super happy to get the win against Jess because she’s such a great player, great fighter. They are always tough matches. I’m super happy to be in the final again.”