Sabalenka secures first golden ticket to US Open final

(Tennis result) Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 to reach the US Open final for the fourth consecutive time. The Belarusian player is just one win away from a historic three-peat.

Jessica Pegula, the 32-year-old player and the third seed of the tournament, started with enthusiastic support from the crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 2024 US Open runner-up saved the first break point with a precise forehand, while causing many difficulties for Sabalenka throughout most of the opening set.

Meanwhile, the top seed could not immediately impose her strength. She committed a double fault in the ninth game and vented her frustration by smashing her racket on the court. Later, Sabalenka continued to throw her racket as Pegula held serve to level the score at 5-5.

However, the defending champion quickly regained focus at the crucial moment. Powerful and deep shots from the baseline repeatedly pushed Pegula into a defensive position, before securing a break in the final game to close out the first set 7-5.

The match became more one-sided in the second set. Pegula started to make errors, while Sabalenka grew more confident with each shot. The Belarusian player broke serve with a forehand winner to take a 3-1 lead.

Pegula could not find an answer to her opponent's power. Sabalenka maintained the pressure, grabbed another break, and sealed the victory 7-5, 6-2 with a deep shot that the home player could not return.

After two sets, Sabalenka recorded 29 winners and seven aces. This result also helped her settle the score after losing to Pegula in their most recent meeting in the Berlin semifinals last June.

"I was hungry for the win and really wanted it. There's nothing to complain about. I'm very happy to have been able to play that kind of tennis.", Sabalenka shared after the match.

Despite eliminating the top hope of the host nation, Sabalenka still received respect from the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Former US First Lady Michelle Obama also appeared in the stands during the first semifinal of the evening.

"I know you all wanted Pegula to win, but thank you for still showing me respect. That is priceless.", the Belarusian player told the audience.

Sabalenka will face the winner of the other semifinal between Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina. This is the fourth consecutive year she has appeared in the final match of the US Open women's singles.

If she continues to reign, Sabalenka will become the first female player to win the US Open three consecutive years since Serena Williams 12 years ago. She will also join the rare group including Serena and Chris Evert who have completed a three-peat at Flushing Meadows in the Open Era.