Title contest in the U.S. Open women's final pits defending champion Aryna Sabalenka against Amanda Anisimova

In a thrilling semifinal match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Aryna Sabalenka secured her place in the U.S. Open final with a hard-fought victory over Jessica Pegula. The scoreline read 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in favour of Sabalenka.

The Belarusian player, who is aiming to become the first woman to claim consecutive championships at Flushing Meadows since Serena Williams (2012-2014), faced break points in the last set but managed to save all four of them.

Pegula, who was the player facing Sabalenka in the final, went after her returns aggressively throughout the match. However, it was Sabalenka who dominated the exchanges, recording 43 winners compared to Pegula's 21.

Sabalenka's run of 32 consecutive holds was broken in the second set, but she showed resilience to bounce back and take the match into a deciding set. In the third set, Sabalenka used a nifty drop-shot-volley-winner combination to help go up a break and grab a 4-2 lead.

The match was not without its emotional moments for Sabalenka, who struggled at times but managed to hold on to win. After the second set, she took a break and draped a white towel over her head.

Meanwhile, Sabalenka's opponent in the final will be Amanda Anisimova, who reached the U.S. Open final by defeating Naomi Osaka with a score of 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3), 6-3. Anisimova is trying to win her first Grand Slam trophy and is fresh off her runner-up finish at Wimbledon in July.

Sabalenka went 15 for 27 when up at the net during the match, while Pegula made 3 unforced errors in the first set and the third set of the match, but 9 unforced errors in the second set. The retractable roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium was shut before the semifinals began to prevent disruption from wind and rain.

As the U.S. Open final approaches, both Sabalenka and Anisimova will be looking to give their best and write their names in the history books.

Title contest in the U.S. Open women's final pits defending champion Aryna Sabalenka against Amanda Anisimova