Jessica Pegula Stages Epic Comeback to Reach US Open Final Against Aryna Sabalenka

Home favourite Jessica Pegula pulled off a remarkable comeback to secure her place in the US Open final, where she will face world number two Aryna Sabalenka. The New York-born Pegula overcame a tough start to defeat Karolina Muchova 1-6, 6-4, 6-2, earning her first-ever major singles final appearance in dramatic fashion.

Pegula, 29, was down a set and facing a break point in the second set but dug deep to turn the match around, delivering an inspired performance to the delight of her home crowd. “I came out flat, but she was playing unbelievable, she made me look like a beginner,” Pegula admitted after the match. “I was about to burst into tears because it was embarrassing, she was destroying me. I don’t know how I turned that around, honestly.”

The American had lost her previous six major quarter-finals before breaking through by defeating world number one Iga Swiatek on Thursday. Pegula’s resilience and determination were on full display once again as she overcame adversity to book a place in Saturday’s final, where she will meet the powerful Sabalenka.

Sabalenka powered past American Emma Navarro 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) to reach her second consecutive US Open final, becoming the first woman since Serena Williams in 2019 to achieve back-to-back finals at Flushing Meadows. In her post-match interview, Sabalenka playfully chided the crowd for supporting her opponent Navarro but praised the atmosphere. “Well now you’re cheering for me, it’s a bit too late,” she joked. “It really means a lot and even though you guys were supporting her, I still had goosebumps for you cheering.”

The Belarusian has enjoyed an exceptional season, and she will be seeking her second major title after winning the Australian Open earlier this year. Sabalenka, known for her aggressive style of play, will face a wall of home support when she takes on Pegula in what promises to be an electric atmosphere in the final.

With Pegula eyeing her first Grand Slam title and Sabalenka looking to cement her status as one of the top players in the world, the showdown at Flushing Meadows is set to be an enthralling contest.

The stage is now set for a thrilling US Open final, as Pegula looks to complete her fairytale run and Sabalenka aims to cap off her stellar season with another major triumph.