Pegula and Sabalenka to meet in US Open final

Jessica Pegulaan American favorite, and Aryna Sabalenkathe world number two are about to face each other in an exciting match US Open final. Pegula, who hails from Buffalo, New York, staged an incredible comeback from a set, break and break point deficit against Karolina Muchova to secure a spot in her first Grand Slam singles final. Meanwhile, Sabalenka powered her way to a second straight US Open final, beating Emma Navarro in straight sets.

After struggling in the opening set, the sixth-seeded Pegula defeated Karolina Muchova 1-6 6-4 6-2 in the semi-finals. The victory is all the more impressive given Pegula’s previous struggles in the quarter-finals of major tournaments, having lost six in a row before his breakthrough against world number one Iga Swiatek at the 2024 US Open.

Second-seeded Sabalenka defeated American Emma Navarro 6-3 7-6(2) in a hard-fought match, showing her trademark aggressive style of play. Sabalenka, who also reached the US Open final last year, will be looking to claim her first title in New York after finishing runner-up to Coco Gauff in 2023.

Sabalenka’s journey to the final was not without its challenges. She had to navigate a partisan crowd cheering on Navarro, but managed to keep her composure. Reflecting on her experience of last year’s final, Sabalenka said she focused on her own game and the support of her team, determined not to let emotions derail her.

Navarro, who was on an impressive run to her first Grand Slam semifinals, pushed Sabalenka to her limits in the second set. Despite leading 2-0 in the tiebreak, she couldn’t close it out. Navarro, a rising star at just 23, will have plenty to celebrate as she cracks the WTA’s Top 10 for the first time, marking her meteoric rise in the tennis world.

For Sabalenka, this final is her fourth consecutive hard-court Grand Slam final, highlighting her consistency and dominance on the surface. Her powerful, risk-taking play has been a key to her success, and with 34 winners against Navarro she proved once again that she is one of the best players in the sport. Pegula, on the other hand, will be relying on the support of her home crowd to make history as she battles for her first Grand Slam title in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium.

As Sabalenka and Pegula prepare for what promises to be a thrilling final, fans are eager to see whether Pegula can ride the momentum or whether Sabalenka’s experience and firepower will ultimately earn her the US Open title.

Sabalenka holds a 5-2 lead over Pegula in their head-to-head matches, including a win in their most recent clash in the Cincinnati hardcourt final.