Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Pegula Praises Sabalenka After US Open Semifinal Loss
Aryna Sabalenka beat Jessica Pegula in the US Open semifinal.
The score was 7-5, 6-2.
Pegula said Sabalenka played an exceptionally strong match.
She said Sabalenka hit very well when points mattered most.
Pegula also said Sabalenka’s serves and returns stopped her from controlling rallies.
Pegula did not feel very upset because she believed Sabalenka was playing at an unusually high level.
After the match, Pegula and Sabalenka’s team joked about hoping Sabalenka might have an off day.
Pegula wondered whether her earlier win over Sabalenka in Berlin had motivated her opponent.
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the US Open semifinal.
Pegula called Sabalenka’s performance the highest level she had seen from her.
Pegula said Sabalenka excelled on big points, second serves, returns and first-ball attacks.
Sabalenka’s victory continued her run as the two-time defending US Open champion.
Pegula said her previous win over Sabalenka in Berlin may have motivated the Belarusian.
- Who
- Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula.
- What
- Sabalenka defeated Pegula in the US Open semifinal, 7-5, 6-2.
- When
- The semifinal took place during the US Open; the article does not provide a date.
- Where
- Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
- Why
- Sabalenka controlled points with her serve, returns and first-ball attacks, while Pegula said Sabalenka played at an exceptionally high level.
- Result
- Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2.
- Round
- US Open semifinal
- Venue
- Arthur Ashe Stadium
- Pegula’s assessment
- She called it the best level she had seen from Sabalenka.
- Sabalenka’s status
- Two-time defending US Open champion
- Previous meeting
- Pegula had recently beaten Sabalenka at the Grass Court Championships Berlin, including a 6-0 third set.