Aryna Sabalenka Cruises Past Jessica Pegula And Into The U.S. Open Final

Aryna Sabalenka is headed back to the U.S. Open final.

After beating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 on a dank, heavy night in Arthur Ashe Stadium, Sabalenka is one win away from her third consecutive title in New York. A showdown with Elena Rybakina, who will replace Sabalenka at the top of women’s tennis Monday, awaits.

That would be a remarkable achievement. The U.S. Open is the hardest Grand Slam to defend. It comes toward the end of the season, when top players can be banged up or burned out and ripe for the taking.