Pegula\’s Fight, Sabalenka\’s Night, A US Open Semifinal Epic
In a thrilling US Open women\'s singles semifinal clash on Friday, Aryna Sabalenka staged a spectacular comeback to d...
In a thrilling US Open women’s singles semifinal clash on Friday, Aryna Sabalenka staged a spectacular comeback to defeat Jessica Pegula with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. This nail-biting rematch of last year’s final, which lasted 2 hours and 24 minutes, showcased why these two athletes are consistently among the world’s elite 🎾.
🔥 A Rollercoaster of Momentum Swings
The match began with Sabalenka seizing an early break to lead 4-2 in the first set. However, Pegula, feeding off the energy of the home crowd, mounted a brilliant counter-attack. She won four consecutive games with impeccable precision to snatch the first set 6-4.
Undeterred by losing the opening set, the world number one regrouped. She emerged for the second set with renewed intensity, grabbing an early break and maintaining her lead to take the set 6-3, forcing a decisive third set.
The final set was a masterclass in nerve. Sabalenka broke Pegula’s serve in the very first game, securing a crucial early advantage. The defining moment came in a marathon sixth game where Pegula created multiple break opportunities. Sabalenka’s mental fortitude shone through as she saved them, a testament to her champion’s mindset, ultimately holding her nerve to close out the match 6-4.
📊 By the Numbers: Decoding the Victory
The statistics reveal the key factors that decided this epic encounter:
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Clutch Serving: Sabalenka saved multiple break points in the tense final set.
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Power Hitting: Her aggressive groundstrokes generated a significant number of winners, applying constant pressure.
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Mental Toughness: Winning the crucial points in the second and third sets after dropping the first.
While Pegula’s consistency and tactical play were formidable, Sabalenka’s ability to deliver powerful serves and aggressive shots at the most critical moments made the ultimate difference.
🤝 The Rivalry: A Clear Pattern Emerges
This semifinal was the latest chapter in an intriguing rivalry. Sabalenka now holds a commanding head-to-head advantage over Pegula. Their matches are often fiercely competitive, but Sabalenka has proven victorious in their most recent high-stakes encounters, including the previous US Open final and the 2025 Miami Open final.
💪 Beyond the Score: What This Means
For Jessica Pegula, this loss is undoubtedly tough, especially on home soil. Despite the defeat, her performance throughout the tournament reaffirms her status as a top-tier player capable of challenging the very best.
For Aryna Sabalenka, this victory is a powerful statement. Her resilience and ability to win under immense pressure are the hallmarks of a true number one. This win marks her third consecutive US Open final appearance, placing her on the cusp of defending her title.
🏆 Looking Forward: The Final Awaits
Sabalenka’s hard-fought victory sets up a final against the winner between Naomi Osaka and Amanda Anisimova. This final promises to be a spectacular conclusion to the tournament.
From a personal viewpoint, this match highlighted the fine margins at the pinnacle of tennis. Pegula’s game was nearly flawless for a set, but Sabalenka’s raw power and improved mental toughness allow her to create opportunities where few others can. It’s this ability to manufacture winners under pressure that continues to separate her from the pack.
Pegula’s 2025 season has been strong, with titles on hard and clay courts, showcasing her growth into a more complete player. However, overcoming a rival like Sabalenka in a major semifinal remains a significant hurdle.
