Defending US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka says she is confident of ending her 2026 campaign as champion.
The Belarusian booked her place in the final after beating American Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in straight sets in the semi-finals. Pegula’s defeat ended American hopes of a home champion, after Coco Gauff also lost to Elena Rybakina in the other semi-final.
Sabalenka has won the US Open two years in a row and is now targeting a third consecutive title, a feat she described as something she is “desperate” to achieve.
“I was super desperate. It feels for me, talking about Grand Slams, like a last push of the season.”
“I wanted it badly to go to the finals, and of course, I want to go all the way” Sabalenka said.
Sabalenka beat Pegula in last year’s US Open at the semifinal stage.
