Image Source: BBC
Sabalenka has taken a narrow advantage over Jessica Pegula in a fiercely contested US Open women’s semi-final, winning the opening set 7-5 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The top seed survived a tense late challenge from the American third seed before producing her biggest tennis when the pressure was at its highest.
The match remained in progress at the latest BBC update, with Sabalenka leading 7-5, 1-1 in the second set. The winner will face either 2023 champion Coco Gauff or second seed Elena Rybakina in the final.
Sabalenka Wins a Dramatic First Set
The opening set showcased the contrasting styles of both players. Sabalenka relied on explosive serving and powerful groundstrokes, while Pegula looked to extend rallies and expose any errors from the Belarusian’s aggressive game.
Both players made more than 75% of their first serves during the early stages, and their average first-serve speeds exceeded 100mph. The quality was reflected in the scoreboard, with neither player producing a double fault for much of the set.
Sabalenka held a clear advantage in raw power, recording four aces and 11 winners during the opening exchanges. However, Pegula repeatedly found success when rallies developed, using her movement and timing to challenge the top seed from the baseline.
Clutch Moments Decide the Opening Set
The decisive moments arrived at 5-5. Pegula dropped a forehand wide and then offered Sabalenka an opportunity with a soft second serve. The Belarusian attacked immediately, earning three set points.
Pegula saved the first with a powerful forehand, but Sabalenka claimed the next opportunity with a deep forehand that forced the American into a rushed error. The set belonged to Sabalenka, 7-5.
It was a crucial escape for the defending champion, who had shown visible frustration earlier in the set. She overhit several forehands, threw her racquet down and appeared increasingly troubled by her own mistakes. Yet when the key points arrived, Sabalenka raised her level dramatically.
Annabel Croft Praises Sabalenka’s Intensity
BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra analyst Annabel Croft described Sabalenka as looking “possessed” during the closing stages of the set. Croft said the pressure appeared to fuel the top seed, with Sabalenka hitting harder as her emotions became more obvious.
Earlier, Croft also questioned Sabalenka’s body language, suggesting that the frustration was making the match more difficult than necessary. Despite that, the two-time defending champion remained effective in the biggest moments.
Sabalenka’s ability to recover from periods of erratic play has been a major feature of her recent Grand Slam success. Against Pegula, that resilience again proved valuable as the home crowd grew louder and began backing the American more strongly.
Pegula Keeps the Pressure on
Pegula’s performance was far from passive. The American served confidently, remained composed in long exchanges and created her first break point at 4-4 in the opening set.
Sabalenka answered with a powerful serve and then held her nerve through a difficult game. Pegula again pushed hard when Sabalenka served at 5-4, but a missed opportunity and a series of big serves allowed the top seed to escape.
Although Pegula lost the first set, her ability to challenge Sabalenka in rallies offered encouragement for the remainder of the match. The American had already beaten a difficult path to the semi-finals and was seeking a place in her first US Open final.
Historic US Open Semi-Final Line-Up
This year’s women’s semi-final line-up is notable because all four top seeds reached the final four. It is the first time since Wimbledon in 2009 that the top four ranked players have made the women’s singles semi-finals at a Grand Slam.
- Aryna Sabalenka is the top seed and a two-time defending champion.
- Jessica Pegula entered the contest as the third seed.
- Elena Rybakina is the second seed and is set to become world number one on Monday.
- Coco Gauff, the fourth seed, is the 2023 US Open champion.
The line-up represents a return of several established names to the defining stages of a major tournament. Since 2020, 13 different women have won Grand Slam singles titles, making the concentration of top-ranked players in New York especially significant.
What Comes Next for Sabalenka?
Sabalenka began the US Open campaign seeking her first major title of the year. Her run has placed her within reach of another final, but Pegula’s resistance means the contest remains open while the second set continues.
The match also carries a strong home-crowd element. Pegula has received enthusiastic support inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, while Sabalenka has attempted to block out the atmosphere and focus on each point. The intense setting has produced a high-quality semi-final with little separating the players.
For Sabalenka, the immediate task is to maintain the authority she showed at the end of the first set. For Pegula, the challenge is to turn her strong rallying into scoreboard pressure and find a way through the champion’s powerful serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the latest score in the Sabalenka versus Pegula match?
At the latest update, Sabalenka led Jessica Pegula 7-5, 1-1 in the second set of their US Open semi-final.
Who won the first set?
Aryna Sabalenka won the first set 7-5 after breaking Pegula late and converting her second set point.
Who could Sabalenka face in the final?
The winner will play either Coco Gauff or Elena Rybakina in the US Open women’s singles final.
Why is this semi-final line-up historic?
It is the first women’s Grand Slam semi-final line-up since Wimbledon in 2009 to feature all four top seeds.
Is Sabalenka the defending champion?
Yes. Sabalenka entered the tournament as the two-time defending US Open champion and is seeking her first major title of 2026.
