Full Breakdown
Pegula vs. Sabalenka: US Open Semifinal Showdown
9/9/2026, 5:43:06 PM
The Matchup Set Up
On September 8, 2026, third-seed Jessica Pegula rallied from a set down to defeat Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in an all-American quarterfinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium. In the parallel quarterfinal, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka survived a three-set battle with Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, winning 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(10-7). The two victors are slated to meet on Thursday in the women’s semifinal, a repeat of the 2024 final and the 2025 semifinal. Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 9-4, but Pegula has captured two of their last three meetings.
Road to the Quarterfinals
Pegula entered New York with a season-best 50 tour wins and a record 19 three-set victories—both tournament highs. At 32, she became the first Open-Era player to reach a semifinal at all four majors after turning 30, adding a fourth US Open semifinal to her résumé that includes a 2024 runner-up finish.
Sabalenka arrived as the two-time defending champion, riding a streak of 18 consecutive US Open wins and 22 straight Grand Slam tiebreak victories. After early exits at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, she remains poised to chase a historic three-peat and retain the world No. 1 ranking.
Numbers at a Glance
- Pegula: 50 wins this season; 19 three-set wins (most on tour); 3rd seed; 14th Tour-level meeting with Sabalenka (9-4 record for Sabalenka).
- Sabalenka: 18 straight US Open match wins; 22 consecutive Grand Slam tiebreak wins (Open-Era record); sixth consecutive US Open semifinal; 28 years old; world No. 1 since October 2024.
Both players have demonstrated resilience: Pegula saved a break in the third set against Navarro, while Sabalenka rallied from 4-2 down in the final set against Noskova.
Players Speak
Pegula downplayed the ranking race, stating she “completely separates herself from that” and will simply “focus on myself” as she chases a third straight title.
On-Court Impressions
The Pegula–Navarro contest unfolded in humid conditions with both players trading breaks; Pegula’s serve faltered early, yielding eight double faults, but she seized momentum with a five-game run in the second set and a decisive break in the third. Sabalenka’s match with Noskova featured two tiebreaks and a dramatic swing in the final set, where Sabalenka saved multiple break points before clinching the win with a second-serve ace.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s fun to look at it like a rivalry. I think that’s what kind of motivates me,” — Jessica Pegula.
- “What a battle. What an incredible player she is,” — Aryna Sabalenka.
What’s Next
The semifinal on Thursday will determine who advances to the final and who keeps alive a chance at the world No. 1 ranking—Pegula could overtake the spot if she wins the title and Elena Rybakina falls in her quarterfinal. Sabalenka seeks to become the first woman since Serena Williams to capture three consecutive US Open crowns. Both athletes stress staying present and letting the match dictate the outcome.
