Jessica Pegula is fighting to stay level with Aryna Sabalenka in a high-pressure US Open semifinal, with the American attempting to force the opening set into a tiebreak against the tournament’s top seed.
The meeting at Arthur Ashe Stadium represents another major chapter in the growing rivalry between the two players. Sabalenka is pursuing an extraordinary third consecutive US Open championship, while Pegula is chasing a breakthrough Grand Slam final and the biggest singles title of her career.
Their history at Flushing Meadows has made the contest even more intriguing. Sabalenka defeated Pegula in the 2024 US Open final before again overcoming her in the semifinals a year later. Those results have given Sabalenka the edge in their rivalry, although Pegula has recently produced several strong performances against the Belarusian.
The American has shown that she is capable of challenging Sabalenka’s power. Pegula defeated her in Berlin earlier in the summer, recovering from a tight second-set tiebreak before dominating the deciding set. She also earned a memorable victory over Sabalenka in the 2025 Wuhan semifinal, coming from behind after the Belarusian had been close to securing the match.
Pegula entered this year’s semifinal after another comeback victory. She defeated Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the quarterfinals, overcoming a slow start to reach the last four at the US Open for the third consecutive year. The result also gave Pegula her 50th match victory of the 2026 season.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, had to survive a dramatic quarterfinal against Linda Noskova. The defending champion eventually prevailed 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(7), winning both tiebreaks in a contest that tested her ability to remain composed under pressure.
That experience could prove valuable as Sabalenka faces another demanding opponent. Her aggressive game is built around a powerful serve and heavy groundstrokes, allowing her to take control of rallies and put opponents under constant pressure. Pegula’s approach is different, with the American relying heavily on consistency, precise positioning and her ability to extend exchanges.
The battle for the first set could therefore become especially important. With Pegula serving and looking to force a tiebreak, the American needs to remain composed and avoid giving Sabalenka opportunities to dictate the next points. A first-set victory would give either player a significant boost in a match where momentum can change quickly.
For Sabalenka, taking the opening set would reinforce her position as the favorite and put her closer to another US Open final. She is attempting to join Serena Williams as the only woman in the Open Era to win three straight US Open singles titles.
Pegula’s motivation is just as significant. Despite reaching the latter stages of major tournaments several times, she has yet to claim a Grand Slam singles championship. A victory over Sabalenka would send her into her first major final and potentially create the defining moment of her career.
The matchup also highlights how competitive their recent encounters have become. Although Sabalenka has enjoyed the stronger overall record, Pegula’s victories in Berlin and Wuhan demonstrate that she has the game and confidence to challenge the defending champion.
As the first set approaches its decisive stage, the pressure is rising on both sides of the net. Pegula is looking for a chance to level the score and take the set to a tiebreak, while Sabalenka is attempting to capitalize on her opportunities and establish an early advantage.
With a place in the US Open final at stake, neither player can afford a lapse in concentration. The outcome of the opening set could set the tone for what promises to be another fiercely contested meeting between two of the leading players in women’s tennis.