Aryna Sabalenka Wins US Open Semifinal, Surpasses Serena Williams’ Top-10 Grand Slam Record

Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the 2025 US Open final after a hard-fought semifinal victory against Jessica Pegula, winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Despite losing the first set, Sabalenka's determination and experience in high-pressure matches helped her overcome Pegula, who had been undefeated in sets at the tournament until then. Sabalenka praised Pegula's strong performance but emphasized her own focus and fighting spirit to secure the win and defend her title, aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to do so. This victory also saw Sabalenka surpass Serena Williams in Grand Slam win percentage against top 10 WTA players, now at 69.2%, with only Steffi Graf's 76.5% record ahead. Experts like CoCo Vandeweghe highlighted that Sabalenka's superior nerves and prior success against Pegula on big stages made the difference. Sabalenka will face the winner of the semifinal between Naomi Osaka and Amanda Anisimova in the final, hoping to claim her first Grand Slam title of the season after near misses earlier in the year.