World · Singapore Bureau
Sabalenka crushes Pegula to reach US Open final
World number one Aryna Sabalenka swept past Jessica Pegula 7-5 6-2 in the US Open semi-finals on Thursday, advancing to the championship match. Pegula acknowledged the dominant performance from her opponent, who may have been motivated by an earlier loss to the American at Berlin.
LSN Singapore ·
NEW YORK — Aryna Sabalenka delivered a commanding performance to defeat Jessica Pegula 7-5 6-2 in the US Open semi-finals on Thursday, securing her place in the final at Flushing Meadows.
The world number one's aggressive baseline play proved too much for Pegula, who was unable to mount sustained pressure against the Belarusian player. Sabalenka's powerful serve and forcing groundstrokes dictated play throughout the match, with the American finding few answers to her opponent's attacking brand of tennis.
Pegula remained gracious in defeat, reflecting on the match with perspective. The American suggested that Sabalenka may have been particularly motivated following her loss to Pegula at the Berlin event earlier in the year, though she refrained from making excuses for her semi-final exit.
The victory marks another impressive step in Sabalenka's campaign at the year's final Grand Slam tournament. The top seed will face her opponent in the final, having demonstrated the form and intensity required to capture the title.