Pegula Edges Navarro in Thriller, Setting Up Sabalenka Semifinal at US Open

Jessica Pegula secured her place in the US Open semifinals with a hard-fought 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory over American compatriot Emma Navarro, setting up a rematch against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka on Thursday.

The all-American quarterfinal, played on Tuesday at Arthur Ashe Stadium, was a physical baseline battle that lasted two hours and 20 minutes. Pegula overcame an early break in the third set to complete the win, which featured a total of nine service breaks.

“It was really tough,” Pegula admitted post-match. “It was physical, humid. I wasn’t exactly serving my best, and I was fighting a lot of demons out there today.”

The result improves Pegula’s record to 5-0 against Navarro, a former world No. 8 who has recently returned to form after taking time off to address health concerns. Navarro claimed her first title in over a year at Strasbourg in May, while Pegula has won two titles this season.

Pegula now faces Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion, in what promises to be a pivotal clash. Sabalenka has dominated their recent meetings, defeating Pegula in the 2024 final and again in last year’s semifinals on her path to a second crown in New York.

While Pegula, 32, could theoretically claim the top ranking if she wins her first major title, the scenario may already be resolved by their semifinal encounter. Second-ranked Elena Rybakina is poised to overtake Sabalenka at the summit with a win over China’s Zheng Qinwen in Wednesday’s quarterfinal, regardless of other results.

The match drew notable attention from US gymnastics star Simone Biles, who was seen watching the quarterfinal from the stands at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.