Aryna Sabalenka must be running a loyalty program with the US Open finals at this point—buy two appearances, get the third one free. The world No. 2 marched into her third consecutive final in New York, and she didn’t do it quietly. With her trademark power game and a few trademark roars that could probably be heard all the way to Times Square, Sabalenka outlasted Jessica Pegula in a gritty three-set showdown that had everything: booming serves, wild rallies, and just the right amount of drama.
Pegula, America’s quiet contender, came in as the hometown favorite with plenty of crowd support. She even snatched the first set, sending Arthur Ashe Stadium into a hopeful buzz. But Sabalenka, never one to be outshined for too long, flipped the switch. Her forehands started sounding like gunshots, her confidence rose with every ace, and suddenly Pegula was the one scrambling. By the third set, Sabalenka was in full beast mode—snapping winners with a swagger that screamed: this is my house.
The 6-7, 6-3, 6-2 scoreline doesn’t fully capture the momentum swings. Pegula played smart, steady tennis, but Sabalenka thrives in chaos. She loves the big stage, the pressure, the noise. She wants the lights brighter and the rallies louder. It’s almost as if she needs the entire stadium’s pulse to fuel her next shot. And once she found that rhythm, Pegula had no choice but to watch the storm unfold.
With this win, Sabalenka becomes just the fourth woman in the last two decades to reach three straight US Open finals—a feat that cements her as one of the game’s most consistent Grand Slam forces. Sure, she’s had her share of meltdowns in the past, but those days seem to be fading. Now, she’s the player opponents dread to face when the stakes are highest.
The real question? Can she finally convert another New York final into silverware. Twice before she’s walked onto that Arthur Ashe stage, and twice she’s walked off runner-up. Sabalenka has the power, the experience, and the scars to know what’s required. But this time, with her relentless energy and undeniable momentum, you’d be brave to bet against her.
As for Pegula, another deep run proves she belongs at the business end of Slams, but she’s still searching for that career-defining breakthrough. Unfortunately, Sabalenka wasn’t in the mood to let that happen tonight.
Three finals in a row. Aryna Sabalenka isn’t just chasing the trophy—she’s chasing history.
