US Open 2026: Sabalenka Faces Pegula in Blockbuster Semifinal, Rybakina Takes on Gauff

Aryna Sabalenka’s bid for a historic US Open three-peat faces a major test when she takes on American third seed Jessica Pegula in the first semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday. Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion, has beaten Pegula nine times in 13 meetings, but the American won their most recent clash in the 2026 Berlin semifinals.

The second semifinal pits newly crowned World No. 1 Elena Rybakina against fourth seed and former champion Coco Gauff. Rybakina and Gauff have split their two previous meetings, setting up another intriguing contest in New York.

The semifinals mark only the second time in the Open Era that the US Open’s top four seeds have all reached the last four, following the 1975 edition. Sabalenka is bidding to join Chris Evert and Serena Williams as the only Open Era women to win three consecutive US Open titles.

The Sabalenka-Pegula semifinal is scheduled for 4:30 am IST on September 11, with Rybakina-Gauff expected around 5:40 am IST.