Aryna Sabalenka plays nearly flawless, defeats Jessica Pegula in straight sets in US Open SF
· Yahoo Sports
Current WTA World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka did not need any more incentive to play well in the 2026 US Open semifinals. She is losing her ranking next week to Elena Rybakina and chasing a three-peat at this year’s US Open.
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Jessica Pegula seemed a bit off her game, despite going toe-to-toe with Sabalenka in the first set. Her demeanor was a bit flat, perhaps this was her game face. Little separated the two in the first set, but Sabalenka the excellent front runner ran away with it in the second set.
Is Pegula sick
Some social media tennis fans speculated that Pegula was under the weather.
It was not what fans are used to seeing in her demeanor.
September 10, 2026; New York, United States; Jessica Pegula of the U.S. in action during the first set of her semifinal match against Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
A little emotion finally came out late in the second set as she threw her racquet.
MORE: Elena Rybakina wins US Open quarterfinal, assumes WTA World No. 1 ranking from Aryna Sabalenka
Sabalenka was too good
Sabalenka punches her ticket to her fourth straight US Open final.
Despite what some would call a disappointing season without a Grand Slam win, Sabalenka won the Sunshine Double.
She awaits the winner of the Coco Gauff vs. Elena Rybakina semifinal that follows her match. Sabalenka admitted that she was desperate for the win. She thanked the fans for supporting her and being respectful, knowing that the American Pegula was who they were cheering for.
The fact was Sabalenka played so well that the fans could never get in it to energize or support Pegula. It was a masterclass in dominance.
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