Flushing Meadows was alive Thursday night as top seed Aryna Sabalenka faced off against second-ranked Jessica Pegula in a US Open semifinal that delivered on every promise of drama and skill. In a three-set marathon, Sabalenka clawed back from a set down, edging out Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to earn her spot in the final for the second straight year.
After dropping the opener, Sabalenka turned the tide with a commanding performance in the second, using her powerful serve and baseline aggression to crack Pegula's defense. Tension peaked in the third when Sabalenka saved two match points, fending off uncharacteristic errors before sealing victory on her third opportunity.
This win brings Sabalenka closer to an exclusive club: the last player to defend a US Open crown was Serena Williams during her dominant run from 2012 to 2014. With three Grand Slam titles already and another final ahead, Sabalenka's name is cemented in modern tennis lore.
Her journey this season has been a study in resilience. She was runner-up at the Australian Open, fell short in the French Open final, and exited in the Wimbledon semifinals. Yet at Flushing Meadows, she's rediscovered the fierce consistency that powered her breakthrough last September.
Up next is either Amanda Anisimova or Naomi Osaka, whom Sabalenka will face on Saturday. Whichever challenger emerges, the title match promises to be a global celebration of power tennis, watched by young fans in G20 nations, aspiring athletes, and digital nomads tuning in from every corner of the world.
As the New York skyline reflects the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Sabalenka's primal scream of triumph echoes a champion's unyielding spirit. For a generation of global citizens, this semifinal was more than a match – it was a testament to perseverance, passion, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
