'I was just praying inside': Aryna Sabalenka recalls comeback win over Jessica Pegula to reach 6th consecutive hardcourt Grand Slam final

Aryna Sabalenka reacted to her victory over Jessica Pegula in the US Open semifinals, acknowledging how difficult it was to face the world No. 4 once again in a match where she had to come from behind to secure the win. The world No. 1 will go for her 4th major title this Saturday when she faces the winner between Karolína Muchová and Naomi Osaka.

The night session at Flushing Meadows opened with defending champion Sabalenka, who was looking for her third major final of the year and 7th of her career against Pegula, the 2024 finalist. The Belarusian had to come from a set down to earn a hard-fought victory, repeating a win against Pegula, just like in the 2024 US Open final.

This time, the match went to three sets after the American took the lead in the first. Although Sabalenka was ahead 4-2, she lost her focus in the second part of the set, and the local player took four consecutive games before going ahead 6-4.

After the set, Sabalenka quickly left the court for a toilet break and returned a couple of minutes later, refreshed and ready to go for the win. Pegula remained focused, but it wasn't enough against an inspired Sabalenka, who played her best tennis to dispatch the 31-year-old local star and secure the first spot in Saturday's final.

"It was a really tough match, she played incredible tennis as always, I had to work really hard to get this win," Sabalenka said in the on-court interview. "Of course, I'm super happy to get the win against Jessica. She's such a great player, a great fighter, always tough matches, just super happy to be in the final again and hopefully I can go all the way again," she added before being interrupted by a round of applause from the crowd. "Of course, thank you for bringing the best atmosphere, thank you."

The 3-time major champion was asked how she managed to overcome the constant moments under pressure she faced in the third set. After taking the lead, Sabalenka saved up to 4 break points (and wasted two match points) before securing the victory 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. "I don't know, I was just praying inside and hoping for the best."

The 27-year-old player also extended her head-to-head dominance over Jessica Pegula to 8-2, making her the player who has defeated Pegula the most times in her career.

Sabalenka will seek to defend her US Open crown on Saturday, where she will try to be the first player to defend the US Open title since Serena Williams did it (2012, '13, '14). "It means a lot," the 2024 champion acknowledged. "I'll go out there on Saturday, and I'll fight for every point like the last point of my life."

Sabalenka is the first player to reach three consecutive US Open finals since Serena did the same (who also played the final in 2011, though she fell to the Australian Samantha Stosur). She has also reached all six of her Grand Slam finals on hard courts, making it to three consecutive finals at both the Australian Open and US Open from 2023-2025.