Aryna Sabalenka says what she honestly thinks of Jessica Pegula as a player after beating her to reach the US Open final

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Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula treated fans to a classic encounter on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

In a rematch of last year’s final, Sabalenka and Pegula battled it out with a place in Saturday’s championship match on the line.

Recovering from a slow start, Pegula stunned the world number one, taking the first set 6-4.

However, when her level dipped in the second, Sabalenka quickly took advantage, levelling things up at one set apiece.

As the tension rose in the decider, it was the Belarusian who held her nerve the best, saving several break points before clinching the win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

During her post-match interview, Sabalenka shared what she really thinks about Pegula as a player.

Aryna Sabalenka says Jessica Pegula is a ‘great player and fighter’ after beating her at the US Open

The three-time major champion had some kind words to say about her American rival after the match.

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

“I’m super happy to get the win over Jessica [Pegula], she’s such a great player, great fighter, always tough matches.”

Sabalenka’s 2025 US Open semifinal win was her eighth against Pegula, as she extended her head-to-head advantage.

The Belarusian also took the time to thank the crowd, who provided an incredible atmosphere on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“I’m super happy to be in the finals again, and hopefully I can go all the way again,” said Sabalenka.

“Of course, guys, thank you for bringing the best atmosphere.”

Sabalenka was then asked how she saved so many break points in the deciding set.

“I don’t know, I was just praying inside and hoping for the best,” she said.

Break point conversion

• Aryna Sabalenka – 3/7
• Jessica Pegula – 2/7

Looking ahead to Saturday’s final, Sabalenka shared just how much defending the US Open title would mean to her.

“It means a lot, I’ll go out there on Saturday, and I’ll fight for every point like it’s the last point of my life,” she said.

Whether it’s Naomi Osaka or Amanda Anisimova who stands across the net from her on Saturday, Sabalenka will no doubt feel confident of winning her fourth Grand Slam title.

Laura Robson praises Aryna Sabalenka’s ‘mentality’ after semifinal win

During Sky Sports’ post-match coverage, Mary Carillo said ‘It’s going to take an awful lot for anyone to beat Aryna Sabalenka’.

Agreeing with her American colleagues’ assessment, former British number one Laura Robson shared her thoughts on Sabalenka’s performance.

“Without a doubt. Especially her mentality tonight, given what’s happened this year at the Slams, especially Roland Garros, which I’m sure she is reminded of all the time, by people like us, but just so clutch under pressure,” she said.

“Those break points in the third, Pegula didn’t lose them, Sabalenka absolutely won them. A couple of days off, will come back on Saturday afternoon and be ready and raring to go.”

Going into further detail about ‘those break points’, Robson described Sabalenka’s efforts as ‘incredible’.

“It was incredible, we can talk about the Pegula first serve, the percentage could have been higher, she could have been going for a few more of her shots, but when you’re under so much pressure with the return, you kind of throw away the numbers a little bit, but it did feel like at times, the serve was sitting up nicely for Sabalenka,” she said.

“All in all, there was so little in that, even that last game, really could have gone either way with the break points.

“The feeling courtside, it was so tense. After that first missed bounce smash on match point, I thought here we go, but Sabalenka’s through.”

Sabalenka is, indeed, through, and will now prepare to take on either Osaka or Anisimova in the US Open final on Saturday, September 6.