American Tennis Star’s Championship Dreams Crushed in Stunning Upset

Liberty Check

• Third-ranked American Jessica Pegula falls to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets at U.S. Open semifinal
• Belarusian champion dominates with 29 winners, advancing to Saturday’s final in pursuit of historic third consecutive title
• Sabalenka continues remarkable 19-match winning streak at U.S. Open, eyeing achievement not seen since Serena Williams era

America’s hopes for a homegrown U.S. Open champion took a devastating blow Thursday as third-ranked Jessica Pegula fell to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a lopsided semifinal match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 7-5, 6-2 defeat marked another heartbreaking end to Pegula’s championship aspirations on American soil.

The match started competitively, with both players trading games through most of the opening set. But Sabalenka, the 28-year-old Belarusian powerhouse, shifted into a dominant gear late in the first set, exploiting weaknesses in Pegula’s second serve and never looking back.

“No complaints,” Sabalenka said after securing her spot in Saturday’s final.

“I’m just super happy that I was able to pull out such tennis.”

The second set turned into a showcase of Sabalenka’s overwhelming power and precision. She unleashed 29 winners compared to Pegula’s meager 12, turning what had been a competitive rivalry into a one-sided demolition.

“I was so desperate for the win, I wanted it badly,” Sabalenka admitted.

Sabalenka now awaits the winner of Thursday’s other semifinal between No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina and No. 4 seed Coco Gauff. A victory on Saturday would make her the first woman since Serena Williams (2012-14) to capture three consecutive U.S. Open titles—a feat that would cement her legacy among tennis royalty.

The Belarusian star has been nearly unstoppable at Flushing Meadows, winning 19 straight matches since falling to Gauff in the 2023 final. Her victories in the 2024 final and 2025 semifinals over Pegula were hard-fought battles, but Thursday’s match was different—a clinical dismantling that sent a clear message to her remaining opponents.

While Rybakina will replace Sabalenka atop the women’s tennis rankings next week regardless of Saturday’s result, the Belarusian champion has made clear her priorities lie with adding another major trophy to her collection. If she continues playing at Thursday’s level, stopping her will require something extraordinary.

For Pegula and American tennis fans, the loss marks another year of disappointment at the sport’s biggest stages. The Buffalo native’s quest for a Grand Slam breakthrough continues, while Sabalenka marches toward history.

Americans deserve better.