Aryna Sabalenka is heading to her fourth consecutive US Open final, and if she wins it all, she will join an incredibly exclusive club with just two names on it: Chris Evert and Serena Williams. The Belarusian absolutely earned her spot, defeating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-3 inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on Thursday evening with a performance that showed just how badly she wants it.
Sabalenka’s Victory Message Was Absolutely Priceless
After the match, Sabalenka didn’t hold back, thanking the crowd even though she knew they were probably pulling for Pegula. “No complaints, I’m just super happy that I was able to pull out such tennis,” she said. It was a big deal for her, especially since Pegula beat her 6-4, 6-7, 6-0 in their last matchup at the Berlin Grass Court Championships semi-finals. Sabalenka made sure to thank the US Open crowd, telling them, “Honestly guys you you’re the best. Your respect to me is is priceless, and I really appreciate that. I know that you wanted her to win, it’s obvious. But thank you for being so respectful to me.” She was desperate for the win, focusing on herself and her box of “beautiful girls, the best people,” and her team, admitting she couldn’t fail in front of them.
The Road to the Final and What Comes Next
Sabalenka has been on a tear at this US Open. She swept Camila Osorio (6-2, 6-4), Polina Vyacheslavovna Yatsenko (6-1, 6-1), Kamila Rakhimova (6-3, 6-4), and Taylor Townsend (6-4, 6-3) in straight sets. Her toughest test came in the quarterfinals against Linda Noskova, which she won 7-6, 3-6, 7-6, before taking down Pegula. Now, she’s set to face either Coco Gauff or Elena Rybakina in the final. Rybakina holds a 7-10 record against Sabalenka and even triumphed over her in this year’s Australian Open final, though Sabalenka got her back in the Indian Wells final. Gauff has a 6-7 record against Sabalenka and famously beat her in both the 2023 US Open final and the 2025 Roland Garros final. This final is going to be a rematch no matter what, and it is going to be epic.
One Win Away From Forever
The stakes could not be higher for Sabalenka. She’s already set to lose her world number one spot to Elena Rybakina, but a US Open title would mean so much more. Since the Open Era began in 1968, only two women have captured three consecutive US Open singles titles: Chris Evert and Serena Williams. Evert did it first, snagging four titles in a row from 1975 to 1978. Serena then replicated the three-peat from 2012 to 2014, beating Victoria Azarenka twice and Caroline Wozniacki. Sabalenka reaching this final means she stands on the precipice of joining these legends. Can she do it? You know we’ll be watching to find out. This weekend, the US Open final is going to be absolutely massive.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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