How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (2024)

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (1)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (2)

Lukas Weese·Associate Editor, News

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (5)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (6)

Pegula vs. Sabalenka for the U.S. Open title

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (7)

World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, will take on Jessica Pegula, the world No. 6, in the U.S. Open women's singles final on Saturday.

For Sabalenka, this is her fourth Grand Slam final. She is trying to win her first U.S. Open after falling short in the final last year to American Coco Gauff.

Pegula is playing in her first slam final. After entering this U.S. Open being 0-6 in slam quarterfinals, Pegula reached her first semifinal after trouncing world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. Then, in the semis, Pegula rallied from losing the first set and being down a break in the second to defeat Karolina Muchova in three sets 1-6, 6-4, 6-2.

Sabalenka and Pegula are no strangers to facing one another. The pair met a couple of weeks ago in the Cincinnati Open final, which Sabalenka won 6-3, 7-5.

It's a matchup of the baseline power from Sabalenka versus the flat groundstrokes of Pegula. On the line... a U.S. Open title.

First ball is at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday.

September 5, 2024 at 11:33 PM EDTCharlie Eccleshare·Tennis Writer

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (10)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (11)

The point that turned the match around

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (12)

That moment at 0-2, 30-40 in the first set did turn out to be the turning point. A double break there would surely have been too much for Pegula, who just said that Muchova "made me look like a beginner" in those early exchanges.

As it was, she deserves a huge amount of credit for turning it around.

Jessica Pegula, U.S. Open finalist.

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September 5, 2024 at 11:26 PM EDTLukas Weese·Associate Editor, News

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (15)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (16)

Pegula defeats Muchova in 3 sets, advances to U.S. Open final

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (17)

The comeback is complete.

America’s Jessica Pegula, the world No. 6, is into the U.S. Open final, defeating Karolina Muchova in three sets 1-6, 6-4, 6-2. It is Pegula’s first Grand Slam final of her career.

Pegula lost the first set in 28 minutes. She couldn’t combat the variety of shots from Muchova, along with her court coverage and net play. Muchova was up a break 2-0 in the second set and one point from a commanding 3-0 lead.

Pegula turned it around. She began to dictate the points, thanks to extending the rallies. Pegula found the pace on her flat groundstrokes, hitting the ball deep which prevented Muchova from coming into the net.

In the third set, Pegula faced three break point opportunities. Muchova kept the scoreboard pressure, only down a break. Pegula saved all three of Muchova’s break point chances in the third set, guiding the American to victory.

It will be a rematch of the Cincinnati Open final Saturday as Pegula takes on world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka for the U.S. Open title.

GO FURTHERJessica Pegula beats Karolina Muchova to reach U.S. Open final
September 5, 2024 at 11:22 PM EDTJames Hansen·Senior Editor, Tennis

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (22)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (23)

Well past bedtime

At least Karolina Muchova won't have to face the U.S. Open's arbiters of doom when she goes out to serve at 2-5.

It's far too late for a load of kids with jumbo tennis balls to surge to the front.

September 5, 2024 at 11:21 PM EDTOskar Garcia·Editorial Director

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (26)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (27)

Emotions shining through

Pegula grimaced after missing a drop shot into the net. One point later, Muchova launched her Head racket skyward, prancing forward a step to catch it before it could hit the ground.

The outbursts weren't necessary to show how big of a game this was in this match. But they sure illustrated it.

And with Muchova sending a shot wide, Pegula pressed her advantage to 5-2, putting her on the cusp of the U.S. Open final.

September 5, 2024 at 11:13 PM EDTOskar Garcia·Editorial Director

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (30)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (31)

Some games have been swift

It seems like for every long rally or deuce showdown, there have been games that have been finished in the blink of an eye. Muchova just had one to tighten her deficit to 4-2.

She badly needs a break of Pegula's serve.

September 5, 2024 at 11:07 PM EDTLukas Weese·Associate Editor, News

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (34)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (35)

Pegula leads 4-1

After a lengthy game at 3-1, Jessica Pegula found a way to hold serve.

She staved off a Karolina Muchova break point and prevented a Muchova comeback in that game.

Muchova showcased her full arsenal, from the slice to the court coverage.

But Pegula came up big on the clutch points to hold serve.

Now two games away from the final.

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September 5, 2024 at 11:00 PM EDTLukas Weese·Associate Editor, News

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (38)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (39)

Muchova on the board

Karolina Muchova is on the board in the third set.

She smashes her forehand down the line to get the service hold.

Muchova is down just a break 3-1 in this third set.

But Pegula's found her serve.

September 5, 2024 at 10:58 PM EDTOskar Garcia·Editorial Director

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (42)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (43)

Pegula charges to 3-0 in final set

In a sign, perhaps, of the home country of the athletes and of the latest rankings, the American No. 6 seed Jessica Pegula is a massive live betting favorite in U.S. casinos against unseeded Karolina Muchova.

She was facing a break point at 0-2 in the second set, but Pegula has charged back to put herself in strong position to reach a final against Aryna Sabalenka.

She's meeting Muchova's angles with touch and precision. She's stepping into the court to dictate points. The jitters and disadvantages of the first set have seemingly been erased.

And Pegula has won nine of her last 11 games.

September 5, 2024 at 10:49 PM EDTLukas Weese·Associate Editor, News

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (46)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (47)

Pegula with early break in third set

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (48)

It's all Jessica Pegula right now in this semifinal.

The American gets an early break in the third set to go up 2-0 on Karolina Muchova.

Pegula won 16 of her last 20 points.

So far in the third set, Muchova has seven unforced errors after 19 in the second set.

Pegula leads 2-0.

September 5, 2024 at 10:48 PM EDTOskar Garcia·Editorial Director

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (51)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (52)

Pegula starts final set with service hold

Pegula wants this third set to have a tone that's in her favor. She started that by holding on her first service game to go up, 1-0.

It was relatively easy. But one thing to watch through this final set will be whether Pegula comes through on her opportunities to break Muchova. The pressure points.

September 5, 2024 at 10:37 PM EDTLukas Weese·Associate Editor, News

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (55)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (56)

Pegula wins second set

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (57)

Jessica Pegula takes the second set 6-4 over Karolina Muchova.

Pegula breaks Muchova for the third time to force this match into a decider after a double fault ends the set.

After struggling to deal with Muchova’s arsenal of shots in the first set, Pegula found her rhythm in the second set. She extended the rallies (six points won of nine or more shots), which allowed Pegula to hit her flat groundstrokes.

Incredible comeback from Pegula after being down a break in the second set.

To a third set for a spot in the U.S. Open final.

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September 5, 2024 at 10:33 PM EDTOskar Garcia·Editorial Director

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (60)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (61)

Pegula up 5-4 in second set

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (62)

Pegula has ensured that Muchova won't be able to win this set simply with six games. Let's see if she can break Muchova again in another huge spot.

September 5, 2024 at 10:30 PM EDTLukas Weese·Associate Editor, News

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (65)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (66)

Muchova, Pegula tied 4-4

What a volley from Karolina Muchova.

Just a bonkers angle to get the service hold.

It's 4-4 in the second set.

Both players are battling out there.

September 5, 2024 at 10:26 PM EDTOskar Garcia·Editorial Director

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (69)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (70)

And Muchova breaks right back

Pegula has grabbed a good deal of stability in this second set... we can't quite call it momentum with Muchova breaking Pegula's serve to get within 4-3. It's probably a sign of how dominant Muchova was in the opening set that any sustained success for Pegula now looks like a tournament lifesaver.

Difficult to know who would be better in a tiebreaker, and that's enough by itself for Pegula to feel like she needs another break of Muchova to go from fighting to truly contending.

September 5, 2024 at 10:20 PM EDTLukas Weese·Associate Editor, News

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (73)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (74)

Pegula up a break on fourth opportunity

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (75)

On the fourth break point opportunity, Jessica Pegula capitalizes to go up 4-2 in the second set.

Feels like a turning point in this match as Pegula yells a "come on."

The American with a gutsy effort to come back in this match after being down a break in this set.

The rally length increased and Pegula is connecting on her groundstrokes with pace.

Game on.

September 5, 2024 at 10:10 PM EDTOskar Garcia·Editorial Director

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (78)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (79)

Two big holds for Pegula

Pegula is needing to turn this match around, and it's starting with the foundational achievement of holding on her serve.

It hasn't been easy. She's had to fight through deuces with Muchova to keep pace. But with a 3-2 lead and the set on serve, Pegula is looking much stronger and, probably more importantly, isn't making the mistakes that cost her the first set so quickly.

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September 5, 2024 at 10:03 PM EDTLukas Weese·Associate Editor, News

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (82)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (83)

Pegula back on serve

Jessica Pegula is fighting.

After staving off a break point the previous game, Pegula gets a break of her own.

A gutsy effort from the American, who is starting to find rhythm against Muchova.

2-2 second set.

September 5, 2024 at 9:58 PM EDTCharlie Eccleshare·Tennis Writer

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (86)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (87)

Pegula saves a break point to hold serve

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (88)

A possible turning point there? Muchova looked like she had the double break sewn up but Pegula stretched for a forehand and drew a missed volley from her opponent.

The crowd got properly involved for the first time tonight, and Pegula holds.

Muchova to serve up 2-1.

September 5, 2024 at 9:54 PM EDTOskar Garcia·Editorial Director

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (91)How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (92)

The crowd wants more competition

A big cheer from Arthur Ashe Stadium is more like a plea for Pegula: Please make this semifinal more competitive.

It's unclear if they'll get their wish, because Muchova has been all over Pegula from both sides of the baseline and pretty much everywhere else she wants.

More likely than not, this could be over quickly, perhaps within an hour (it's 41 minutes in right now).

How Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final (2024)

FAQs

Did Sabalenka win US Open? ›

Sabalenka, the world No. 2 from Belarus, defeated American Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 at Arthur Ashe Stadium to win the US Open for the first time. This is Sabalenka's third career grand slam singles title, having won the Australian Open for the second consecutive year back in January.

How many US Opens has Aryna Sabalenka won? ›

NEW YORK (AP) — Even after winning her first U.S. Open championship for a third Grand Slam title, Aryna Sabalenka made clear she doesn't consider herself a finished product. “Hopefully one day we're gonna see me serve-and-volley,” she said with a hearty laugh.

Who won between Pegula and Sabalenka? ›

Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed, got past No. 6 Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in a rollicking final under a closed retractable roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium, displaying her typical power while sprinkling in some variation to add this triumph to those at the Australian Open each of the past two seasons.

Has Sabalenka been in a Grand Slam final? ›

Sabalenka may be second in the rankings to Iga Swiatek, but she is arguably the best Grand Slam player in the women's game. She has reached the final of the past four hard-court majors, winning two Australian Open titles, and has made the semi-finals stage or better at seven of her past eight Slams.

How many times did Martina Navratilova win the US Open? ›

By 1990 Navratilova had won the women's singles championships of the French Open twice (1982, 1984), the Australian Open three times (1981, 1983, 1985), the U.S. Open four times (1983, 1984, 1986, 1987), and Wimbledon a record nine times (1978, 1979, 1982–87, 1990).

How much money did Sabalenka win today? ›

And the victory allowed her to leave Arthur Ashe Stadium in a far better mood than when she was the runner-up to Coco Gauff at the 2023 U.S. Open. Sabalenka will each earn a $3.6 million check — a 20% bump from the $3 million winners earned in 2023.

What player has won the most US Open? ›

During the US Open, since the inclusion of the professional tennis players, Jimmy Connors (1974, 1976, 1978, 1982–1983), Pete Sampras (1990, 1993, 1995–1996, 2002), and Roger Federer (2004–2008) have won the most championships, with five titles. Federer has had the most consecutive wins, with five (2004–2008).

How many opens did Maria Sharapova win? ›

She won five major titles — two at the French Open and one each at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. She won 36 titles in total, including the year-end championships on her debut in 2004. She also won three doubles titles.

Has Jessica Pegula won a Grand Slam? ›

Where is Aryna Sabalenka from? ›

Sabalenka was born in Minsk, the capital of Belarus. Her father, Sergey (d. 2019), was an ice hockey player. Sabalenka started playing tennis by chance.

Where is the 2024 US Open tennis? ›

Who is the current US Open women's champion? ›

Aryna Sabalenka beat Jessica Pegula in the U.S. Open final at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center 7-5, 7-5 on Saturday.

Is the US Open women's final best of 3 or 5? ›

Women's singles, and men's and women's doubles matches at the US Open are played in a best-of-three-sets format, while men's singles is played to a best-of-five-sets format. Players must win six games to win a set — unless the score reaches 5-5, in which case they can also win a set, 7-5.

How to watch women's US Open final? ›

The women's final will start no earlier than 4 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN and streaming live on ESPN+.

When did Medvedev win the US Open? ›

Last updated on: 4 September 2024. Medvedev defeated world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the 2021 US Open final to deny him a calendar Grand Slam, becoming the only player to defeat the top three ranked players in the world en route to the year-end championship title.

Who won the US women's tennis open in 2024? ›

Game, Set, Match: Sabalenka beats Pegula to win U.S. Open

It is Sabalenka's first U.S. Open title, and her third Grand Slam title overall. She is the only women's player to hold two Grand Slam titles simultaneously this year, having won the Australian Open in January.

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