NEW YORK — Aryna Sabalenka is now just one victory away from making US Open history.
The two-time defending champion defeated American star Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the 2026 US Open women’s singles semifinal on Thursday, powering into her fourth consecutive final at Flushing Meadows and keeping her dream of a historic third straight title alive.
Sabalenka overcame a competitive opening set before unleashing her trademark power in the second, finishing the match with 29 winners and seven aces as Pegula struggled to contain the Belarusian’s relentless attacking game.
The victory also extended Sabalenka’s remarkable US Open winning streak to 19 matches, leaving her one win away from becoming the first woman since Serena Williams to win three consecutive US Open singles titles.
Pegula Fights Early, But Sabalenka Takes Control
Pegula, the American No. 1 and 2024 US Open finalist, came into the semifinal hoping to finally break through for her first Grand Slam singles title.
For much of the opening set, she made Sabalenka work.
But once the top seed found her rhythm, the momentum shifted dramatically.
Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline game began producing winners from both wings, while her powerful serve gave Pegula fewer opportunities to establish control. After taking the first set 7-5, Sabalenka dominated the second 6-2 to seal her place in Saturday’s championship match.
The result was particularly significant considering the recent competitiveness of their rivalry. Pegula had beaten Sabalenka in Berlin earlier this year, but Sabalenka once again delivered on the biggest stage in New York. The US Open’s own preview had highlighted how closely matched the pair had been statistically during this year’s tournament.
A Three-Peat That Would Put Sabalenka in Elite Company
Sabalenka entered the tournament as the defending champion after winning the US Open in 2024 and 2025.
Now, she has the opportunity to accomplish something only a select few women have achieved during the Open Era.
According to the US Open, only Chris Evert and Serena Williams have previously completed three consecutive US Open women’s singles title runs in the Open Era. Several other tennis legends won back-to-back championships but fell short when attempting a third straight crown.
That makes Saturday’s final more than just another Grand Slam match.
It could become one of the defining moments of Sabalenka’s career.
Before the semifinal stage, Sabalenka had already made clear where her priorities stood. Even with the world No. 1 ranking set to change hands, she said she would gladly trade the top ranking for a third consecutive US Open championship.
From Tight Quarterfinal to Semifinal Statement
Sabalenka’s commanding performance against Pegula came just days after she survived a major scare against Linda Noskova in the quarterfinals.
She needed three sets and a deciding tiebreak to get past Noskova, winning 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6 in one of her toughest matches of the tournament.
Against Pegula, however, Sabalenka looked considerably more decisive.
The semifinal victory showed why she remains one of the most dangerous hard-court players in women’s tennis, combining overwhelming power with the ability to raise her level when the pressure reaches its highest point.
Pegula’s Grand Slam Wait Continues
For Pegula, the defeat was another painful near miss at a major.
The American had reached the US Open final in 2024 and returned to the semifinals this year hoping to take another step toward her first Grand Slam singles title.
Instead, she once again ran into Sabalenka in New York.
Their rivalry has become a recurring storyline at Flushing Meadows, with Sabalenka having defeated Pegula in previous high-profile US Open encounters as well.
Despite the loss, Pegula remains one of the most consistent players on the women’s tour and was part of a historically strong semifinal lineup at this year’s tournament, where the top four seeds reached the women’s semifinals for the first time in decades.
Who Will Face Sabalenka in the Final?
Sabalenka advanced to the championship match ahead of the other semifinal featuring Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina.
The stakes are enormous regardless of who emerges.
A matchup with Gauff could produce another blockbuster US Open final between two of the sport’s biggest stars, while a showdown against Rybakina would bring together two of the most powerful players in women’s tennis.
Rybakina is also set to take over the world No. 1 ranking, adding another layer of significance to the closing stages of the tournament.
One Win Away From History
Sabalenka has already conquered New York twice.
She has now beaten Pegula, survived Noskova and reached yet another US Open final.
But the hardest match may still be ahead.
One more victory would give Aryna Sabalenka a third consecutive US Open crown and place her alongside some of the greatest champions in the tournament’s history.
The question now is simple:
Can anyone stop her before she completes the three-peat?
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