Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the US Open final, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown against American hope Jessica Pegula. The Belarusian star, who finished as the runner-up to Coco Gauff last year, is favored to claim her third Grand Slam title after a convincing 6-3 7-6 (7-2) victory over Emma Navarro.
Pegula earned her first Grand Slam final spot with a remarkable comeback, overcoming Czech player Karolina Muchova 1-6 6-4 6-2 in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Ranked No. 2 in the world, Sabalenka showcased her powerful game, hitting 34 winners and eight aces while navigating a challenging match against Navarro, who was competing in her first Grand Slam semi-final. “It really means a lot; it was an incredible atmosphere,” expressed the 26-year-old Sabalenka, becoming the first woman to reach consecutive US Open finals since Serena Williams in 2018 and 2019.
Sabalenka broke early and looked poised for a dominant performance, but Navarro fought back to level at 2-2. However, Sabalenka regained control, winning the first set and later battling through a tense second set to secure her place in the final. This victory puts her one match away from becoming the first woman to win both hard-court Grand Slam titles in the same year since Angelique Kerber in 2016.
Navarro’s breakthrough at this Grand Slam will see her entering the top 10 in the world rankings following this tournament.
Pegula’s Inspiring Journey to the Final
Pegula, seeded sixth, secured her place in the women’s singles final with a thrilling comeback against Muchova, last year’s French Open runner-up. The New York native’s 15 wins from her last 16 matches continue to build her momentum. She entered this major semi-final after eliminating world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, snapping her previous struggles in Grand Slam quarter-finals.
Facing Sabalenka in the final will be a rematch of their recent encounter in Cincinnati, where Peggy lost in straight sets. Reflecting on her performance, Pegula noted, “It comes down to really small moments that flip momentum. I came out really flat, and she was playing unbelievable.”
British Juniors Shine at the US Open
Rising British star Mika Stojsavljevic is gearing up to face American third seed Iva Jovic in the girls’ semi-finals. Stojsavljevic, part of a trio of successful British juniors, is looking forward to the challenge. “I think it’s an exciting challenge, and a match that I’m really excited for,” she commented, remaining optimistic ahead of their match-up.
Upcoming Tennis Events in September
- Jasmin Open, Tunisia – WTA 250 (9-15 September)
- Guadalajara Open, Mexico – WTA 500 (9-15 September)
- Korea Open – WTA 500 (16-22 September, featuring Emma Raducanu)
- Thailand Open – WTA 250 (16-22 September)
