New York, Sept 5 (HS):

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka staged a brilliant comeback to defeat American star Jessica Pegula and book her place in the final of the US Open 2025. In the semifinal match played on Friday (IST), the Belarusian triumphed 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

The clash, considered a rematch of last year’s final, saw Sabalenka struggle early. After dropping the opening set, she bounced back with authority, firing 43 winners and eight aces, putting Pegula under constant pressure despite the support of the home crowd.

Pegula opened the match strongly, keeping errors in check with just three unforced mistakes in the first set and capitalizing after an early exchange of breaks to seize the lead. But from the second set onward, Sabalenka returned with renewed confidence, reeling off three straight games and shifting momentum with her trademark power-hitting.

In the deciding set, Sabalenka broke in the very first game and later saved three break points in a tense sixth game, showcasing her mental resilience. Pegula saved two match points to keep the contest alive, but Sabalenka sealed victory with a forehand winner before celebrating passionately.

Sabalenka will now face the winner of the other semifinal between Naomi Osaka of Japan, a four-time Grand Slam champion, and Amanda Anisimova of the United States, seeded eighth.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar