The women's singles final lineup is set! Sabalenka came from behind to defeat Pegula and will face her nemesis Anisimova.

In today's thrilling US Open women's singles semifinals, top seed Sabalenka battled through three sets to overturn fourth seed Pegula, while the in-form Anisimova also staged a comeback to overcome Naomi Osaka. The two winners will meet in the final, setting the stage for a fierce championship showdown.

The first semifinal took place between world No. 1 Sabalenka and American No. 1 Pegula. At the start, Sabalenka quickly found her rhythm and secured the first break. However, playing on home soil, Pegula fought back from a 2-4 deficit in the opening set by hitting precise lines and several beautiful passing shots, winning four consecutive games to take the set 6-4.

In the second set, Sabalenka raised her level and fired up her aggression, overpowering her opponent with fierce offense to even the match at 6-3. The deciding set was tightly contested, but Sabalenka’s greater experience showed in crucial moments, ultimately sealing the victory 6-4. This marks her third consecutive US Open final appearance and the seventh Grand Slam final of her career.

After the match, Sabalenka praised her opponent highly: “It was a very tough battle; Jessica played wonderfully as always, and I had to give my all to win.” Looking ahead to the final, she said: “(If I defend my title) it would mean a lot to me. On Saturday, I will fight for every point as if it’s my last.”

In the other semifinal, Anisimova and Naomi Osaka delivered a high-quality match. Osaka started strong, winning the first set in a tiebreak and coming within one set of the final. However, Anisimova showed remarkable resilience and mental strength, leveling the match by taking the second set in a tiebreak. In the final set, Anisimova gained momentum and completed the comeback with a 6-3 win, advancing to back-to-back Grand Slam finals at Wimbledon and the US Open.

For Naomi Osaka, although she fell short of the final, reaching the US Open semifinals marks a significant step in her comeback. Since winning the 2021 Australian Open, this is her first time reaching the second week of a Grand Slam. Hard courts remain her strength, and the upcoming Asian season and next year’s Australian Open hold much promise.

With these two intense battles concluded, the women’s singles final lineup is confirmed: Sabalenka VS Anisimova.

This final promises to be captivating. On one hand, Sabalenka, the defending champion and world No. 1, is riding a 12-match winning streak at the US Open and aims to become one of the few women in recent years to successfully defend the title. Her powerful serve and aggressive playing style make her a formidable force on hard courts.

On the other hand, Anisimova is considered Sabalenka’s “nemesis.” In their head-to-head record, Anisimova leads 6-3. Notably, they have faced each other twice this year in Grand Slams:

· French Open fourth round: Sabalenka won (7-5, 6-3)

· Wimbledon semifinal: Anisimova won (6-4, 4-6, 6-4)

Anisimova has beaten world No. 2 Swiatek and four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka consecutively at the US Open, reaching peak form and confidence. Her memory of defeating Sabalenka at Wimbledon and her favorable head-to-head record will surely boost her mental edge.

This final is not only a contest of skill and power but also a psychological and tactical battle. Will Sabalenka’s strength secure her a successful title defense, or will Anisimova continue her “nemesis” streak and claim her first Grand Slam championship? All answers will be revealed on the day of the final.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Mei)