Sabalenka stages steely comeback to reach final

US Open 2025

Dates: August 24 through September 7 in Flushing Meadows, New York

Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning US Open champion, came back from set down to defeat Jessica Pegula.

Fourth seed Pegula was on course to avenge her defeat by Sabalenka as the American home hope won the opening set in a repeat of the showpiece from the previous year.

The Belarusian, however, managed to maintain her emotions and win a fortifying 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory to advance to a fourth Grand Slam singles title.

Before Pegula and Sabalenka resurrected after going a break up in the decider, the world number one had to save four break points before sealing the victory.

When asked what she was thinking at the time, Sabalenka responded, “I was just praying inside and hoping for the best.”

She played excellent tennis as usual, and I had to work really hard to get this win.

“I’m hoping I can make it all the way again.”

Sabalenka has now reached six hard-court Grand Slam finals in a row, despite not having won a significant title in 2025.

In Saturday’s showpiece, she will face American Amanda Anisimova or two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka.

Given that she reached the final at the Australian and French Opens, Sabalenka’s season has been disappointing in terms of Grand Slam success.

She also advanced to Wimbledon’s semi-finals, but on all three occasions, the 27-year-old’s emotions became too much.

She struggled throughout the Australian Open final in January, where Madison Keys outperformed her.

Her defeat at Roland Garros came from Coco Gauff, who had an unforced error count of 70, while Anisimova had no bravery to match.

She appeared to have put her early career behind her when she won three Grand Slam titles in just 20 months, and the collapses in composure were reminiscent of that time.

However, Sabalenka’s heartbreak came as a result as Pegula, who had been cheered up by a raucous crowd, won the first set.

A booming forehand winner was Sabalenka’s first blow to break early, but a subpar service performance gave Pegula a chance to get back in the opener.

As more unforced errors entered the top seed’s game, the audience resolutely supported Pegula, who broke once more and wrapped up the opener in style with a confident love hold.

After a brief off-court break before the second set, Sabalenka returned with renewed tenacity and quickly rose to 3-0 after her shot-making was more methodical.

With an immediate break, Sabalenka took control of the decision, which would have allowed her to survive the remainder of the set.

The wait for Pegula’s first Grand Slam title is on.

After falling to Sabalenka in her first major final, the 31-year-old left the previous year’s tournament empty-handed.

The same opponent posed a greater threat this time around, but it was overly determined in the crucial moments.

Despite losing, New York native Pegula has many advantages to consider.

After making it to the final at Flushing Meadows last year, Pegula was unable to advance beyond the fourth round of the following three Grand Slams and was humiliated to lose to a ranked 116th-ranked player in the first round.

She entered New York with shaky form, winning just two of her previous four matches.