Sabalenka stages steely comeback to reach final

US Open 2025

Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Dates: 24 August-7 September

Coverage: Live radio commentaries across 5 Live Sport and BBC Sounds, plus live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website & app

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka showed true grit as she battled back from a set down to beat Jessica Pegula and reach a third straight US Open final.

In a repeat of last year's showpiece, fourth seed Pegula was on course to avenge her defeat by Sabalenka as the American home hope grabbed the opening set.

But the Belarusian largely kept her emotions in check to stage a steely 4-6 6-3 6-4 comeback victory and continue her bid for a fourth Grand Slam singles title.

Sabalenka had led 4-2 in the first set before Pegula hit back and, after going a break up in the decider, the world number one had to save four break points before closing out victory.

Asked what she was thinking at that moment, Sabalenka said: "I was just praying inside and hoping for the best.

"It was a really tough match, she played incredible tennis as always and I had to work really hard to get this win.

"Hopefully I can go all the way again."

Sabalenka, who has yet to win a major title in 2025, has now reached six successive finals at the hard-court Grand Slams.

She will face either two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka or American Amanda Anisimova in Saturday's showpiece.

"It means a lot. I will go out there on Saturday and I will fight for every point like it's the last point of my life," she added.

It has been a disappointing season in terms of Grand Slam success for Sabalenka, considering she reached the final at the Australian and French Opens.

She also made it to the semi-finals at Wimbledon, but on all three occasions emotions got the better of the 27-year-old.

She cut an anguished figure throughout January's Australian Open final, where she was out-hit by Madison Keys.

An unforced error count of 70 was her undoing against Coco Gauff at Roland Garros, while she was unable to match Anisimova's bravery at the All England Club.

The collapses in composure were reminiscent of her early career - and something she seemed to have put behind her when she claimed three Grand Slam titles in the space of 20 months.

But more heartbreak appeared to be on the cards for Sabalenka as Pegula - buoyed by a raucous crowd - came out on top in the first set.

Sabalenka struck the first blow in the opener, swatting away a booming forehand winner to break early, but a poor service game allowed Pegula straight back in.

The top seed's irritation grew as more unforced errors crept into her game and the crowd loudly put their backing behind Pegula, who broke again and wrapped up the opener in style with a confident love hold.

After taking an off-court break before the start of the second set, Sabalenka returned with a renewed determination and quickly went 3-0 up thanks to a more clinical approach to her shot-making.

That gap was enough to see her through the remainder of the set and force a decider, which Sabalenka took control of from the off with an immediate break.

The 27-year-old furiously fought off Pegula's attempts to break back and let out a huge roar after wrapping up the victory on her third match point.

For Pegula, the wait for a maiden Grand Slam title goes on.

The 31-year-old left last year's tournament empty-handed after losing 7-5 7-5 to Sabalenka in her first major final.

While she posed a greater threat this time around, the same opponent proved too resolute in the crucial moments.

Despite the defeat, there are plenty of positives for New-York native Pegula to take away.

After reaching the final at Flushing Meadows last year, Pegula failed to go beyond the fourth round at the next three Grand Slams and suffered a humiliating first-round Wimbledon exit at the hands of a player ranked 116th.

She arrived in New York in shaky form, winning just two matches in her past four tournaments.

But Pegula has looked back to her best during the past week and a half, sweeping aside five opponents - two of whom were two-time Grand Slam winners - in straight sets.