Sabalenka sweeps past Pegula to move within one win of US Open hat-trick

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Aryna Sabalenka moved to within one victory of an unprecedented third consecutive U.S. Open title after powering past American third seed Jessica Pegula in straight sets on Thursday.

The world No. 1 overcame an unsettled start to beat Pegula 7-5, 6-2 and book her place in the final at Flushing Meadows, keeping alive her bid to become the first woman in the Open Era to win the tournament three years in succession.

Sabalenka initially struggled to contain her frustration as Pegula made the contest competitive in the opening set. But the Belarusian gradually found her rhythm and began dictating rallies with her trademark aggression and power.

The top seed produced 29 winners and seven aces, consistently forcing Pegula onto the defensive before taking control of the match.

Pegula, who reached the final in 2024, was unable to match Sabalenka's intensity as the contest progressed. The American's errors increased in the second set, allowing Sabalenka to pull away and secure a commanding victory.

Sabalenka sealed the match with an unreturnable shot that landed deep in Pegula's court, completing another emphatic step towards history.

The Belarusian will now face the winner of the other semifinal as she seeks a third straight US Open crown and another landmark achievement in her career.
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