'Desperate' Sabalenka books US Open title clash with Rybakina
NEW YORK: Aryna Sabalenka stormed past Jessica Pegula in straight sets on Thursday to keep her bid for a rare US Open three-peat on track, booking a championship showdown with Elena Rybakina.
Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the US Open final on Thursday, defeating Jessica Pegula in straight sets 7-5, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. This victory keeps Sabalenka's quest for a rare US Open three-peat on track, with a potential final matchup against Elena Rybakina. Rybakina, who upset Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the other semifinal, will face Sabalenka in a championship clash.
Sabalenka, aiming to join Chris Evert and Serena Williams as the only players to win three straight US Open titles, expressed her determination, stating, "I wanted it badly to go to the finals, and of course, I want to go all the way." Pegula, feeling the pressure to stay in the set, fell behind 0-40 in the first set, ultimately succumbing to Sabalenka's powerful groundstrokes and relentless play.
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