Aryna Sabalenka may have lost the world number one spot but she is determined to keep her US Open title.
The 28-year-old from Belarus, who will be overtaken by Elena Rybakina at the top of the rankings on Monday, overpowered Jessica Pegula 7-5 6-2 to reach a fourth successive Flushing Meadows final.
The two-time defending champion took her winning streak in New York to 19 matches and is now one victory away from the ‘three-peat’.
American third seed Pegula, beaten by Sabalenka in the 2024 final, had served superbly during the first set, winning 18 out of 20 points behind her first serve.
That was until 5-6, when Sabalenka suddenly unleashed three blistering returns to bring up three set points, taking the second when Pegula’s forehand fell into the net.
More break points arrived in in the fourth game of the second set and a 91mph return put the top seed in total control.
A business-like victory was wrapped up in an hour and 20 minutes and celebrated with a simple clenched fist.
“No complaints, I’m super happy to be able to play such tennis,” she said. “I was so desperate to win, I wanted it badly.”
