US Open semi-finals: Pegula aims to thwart Sabalenka’s three-peat bid

The US Open semi-finals feature a historic lineup with all four top seeds reaching this stage for the first time since 1975. Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus is chasing a third consecutive US Open title as she faces American Jessica Pegula. Having lost to the Belarusian at Flushing Meadows in both the 2024 final and last year's semi-finals, Pegula aims to leverage her recent victories over Sabalenka in other tournaments to overcome this hurdle. Sabalenka currently leads their head-to-head record 9-4. In the other semi-final, Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina, who has secured the world number one ranking by reaching this stage, will face 2023 US Open winner Coco Gauff. Rybakina, who entered the tournament following a heel injury, stated her focus remains on winning the title despite the pressure of the top ranking and the hostile crowd expected for Gauff.