Aryna Sabalenka moves a win from a 3rd straight US Open title by beating Jessica Pegula

Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, follows through on a shot to Jessica Pegula, of the United States, during the women’s singles semifinals of the U.S. Open tennis championships Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, reacts after she won the first set during the women’s singles semifinals of the U.S. Open tennis championships against Jessica Pegula, of the United States, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Jessica Pegula, of the United States, returns the ball to Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, during the women’s singles semifinals of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, reacts during a match against Jessica Pegula, of the United States, during the women’s singles semifinals of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

NEW YORK (AP) — Aryna Sabalenka moved a win away from her third straight U.S. Open title, beating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 on Thursday night.