Pegula reaches third successive US Open semi-final, sets up Sabalenka rematch

Jessica Pegula continued to assert her dominance on American hard courts by defeating Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the US Open quarterfinal on Tuesday night (September 8), securing a semifinal berth for the third consecutive year. The 32-year-old American will face two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, a rematch of last year's final. The match between Pegula and Navarro was dubbed the "Battle of the Billionaires" by the American media due to their wealthy backgrounds. But once on court, numbers and fortunes meant nothing; it was about consistency and composure. Pegula, the 26th seed, delivered an emotional comeback against her compatriot who is seven years younger. The contest started more than an hour behind schedule after a five-set marathon between Frances Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen in the men's quarterfinal. When they walked onto Arthur Ashe Stadium, neither Pegula nor Navarro found their rhythm early. The first set was marred by unforced errors and a series of breaks. Both players hit five double faults, and an extra break allowed Navarro to move ahead. In the second set, Pegula's serve remained shaky, but she found a way to win key points with more aggressive groundstrokes. A fine forehand winner after a long exchange leveled the match. She carried that momentum into the decider, breaking early to take control and closing out the victory 6-3. After the match, Pegula admitted she had to battle herself: "It was really tough, really physical, I wasn't serving my best, I was fighting a lot of demons out there. I do a great job on having a short term memory; I know every time I come out no matter what I have to tell the negative me to shut up and just play tennis and compete." The victory was also Pegula's 50th of the 2026 season, making her the first player on the WTA Tour to reach that mark this year. This impressive feat highlights the resilience and consistency of the former world No. 3. Pegula's next opponent will be Aryna Sabalenka, who earlier dispatched another American, Danielle Collins. Sabalenka is bidding for a third consecutive US Open title, a feat not achieved since Serena Williams (2026-2026). However, Pegula is in great form and has already beaten Sabalenka in Cincinnati last month, during the US Open series. The semifinal promises to be a thrilling clash of contrasting styles: Sabalenka's power serving against Pegula's elite return and movement. If Pegula can maintain her focus and improve her first-serve percentage, she could pull off an upset. Remarkably, American tennis is seeing a resurgence of young talents, but Pegula remains the steady veteran. Reaching the semifinal for three straight years demonstrates her consistency, especially with Navarro, Coco Gauff, and Madison Keys pushing hard. Pegula's story goes beyond wealth – it is one of hard work, overcoming injuries, and earning her place in the women's tennis elite. Given her recent performances, Pegula deserves her spot in the last four. Yet the challenge against Sabalenka will be the ultimate test of this tournament. Can she finally surpass the barrier that has stopped her in three previous US Open semifinals and advance to the final? The answer will be revealed on September 11 in New York.