The US Open reaches a pivotal moment on Thursday as the tournament’s four highest‑seeded women prepare to meet in the semi‑finals, a scenario not seen at a Grand Slam since Wimbledon 2009. Two‑time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will look to edge closer to a historic third consecutive New York title when she squares off against the familiar rival Jessica Pegula, while Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina will take on home‑favorite Coco Gauff in the other semi‑final, both matches slated to begin at midnight and broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis.
Sabalenka, who has now reached the US Open semi‑final stage for six straight years, stands just two victories away from becoming the first woman since Serena Williams (who achieved the feat between 2012 and 2014) to capture three straight titles at Flushing Meadows. The Belarusian entered the tournament as the top seed and, until her quarter‑final win over Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, had not dropped a set. That hard‑fought victory proved to be her toughest test yet, but it also cemented her status as the player to beat.
On the opposite side of the draw, third‑seed Pegula, who is chasing her first Grand Slam crown, will meet Sabalenka for the third year in a row. Their rivalry has become a staple of recent US Open storylines: Sabalenka denied Pegula the title in 2024 and then prevailed again in last year’s semi‑finals. Although Sabalenka leads their head‑to‑head record 9‑4, Pegula has shown she can turn the tables, winning two of their last three encounters, including a dominant 6‑0 third set in the Berlin Open semi‑final earlier this season.
"I think it’s fun to look at the rivalry we’ve had. She’s been a big part of my story the last couple of years," Pegula said, acknowledging the psychological hurdle she must overcome.
"I’ve beaten her a few times on smaller stages, so this is a different kind of challenge." Meanwhile, the other semi‑final pits Elena Rybakina against the crowd‑pleasing Coco Gauff. Rybakina, who secured the world No. 1 ranking after a quarter‑final triumph over Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng, will be the first Kazakh to ever hold the top spot in the WTA rankings. Her ascent marks a milestone for her country and adds extra motivation as she eyes a third Grand Slam title.
Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, earned her place in the semi‑finals by staging a dramatic comeback against fifth‑seed Mirra Andreeva, saving two match points in the second set before turning the tide. That resilience mirrors her performance at Wimbledon, where she also reached the last four, and now she will have the advantage of a supportive home crowd behind her.
Gauff praised Rybakina’s form, saying, "Elena is playing some great tennis. Congratulations on becoming the new world No. 1 – that’s incredible." She also reflected on a recent loss to Rybakina in the Canadian Open semi‑finals, noting, "We played each other in Toronto and it didn’t go my way, but I’ll learn from that match." Both players are tied 1‑1 in their head‑to‑head meetings, setting the stage for a tightly contested battle for a spot in Saturday’s final.
Rybakina, speaking about her upcoming clash with Gauff, emphasized the need to stay aggressive despite a season hampered by injury and limited practice. "I expect a lot of people will support her, but I just need to keep playing my game.
We’ve come this far despite setbacks, and now it’s about the final push and enjoying the moment," she said. The significance of this semi‑final lineup extends beyond individual storylines. It marks the first time since Wimbledon 2009 that all four top seeds have simultaneously reached the semi‑finals of a Grand Slam, and only the second occurrence in US Open history—the first being in 1975.
This convergence of elite talent underscores the depth and competitiveness of the women’s game today. Sabalenka, who relinquished the world No. 1 ranking to Rybakina after her quarter‑final win, expressed a willingness to trade the ranking points for another US Open trophy.
"I’ll be more than happy. Yes, a three‑peat sounds great," she said, highlighting her singular focus on the title rather than the ranking.
As the matches approach, fans can tune in via Sky Sports, which will stream the semi‑finals from August 30 onward. For those without a contract, the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app offer additional viewing options. The tournament also promotes related events, such as the Laver Cup at The O2 in London, scheduled for 25‑27 September, providing tennis enthusiasts with a packed calendar of high‑profile matches.
In summary, Thursday’s semi‑finals promise a blend of historic ambition, personal rivalries, and national pride. Whether Sabalenka can cement her legacy with a third straight US Open, Pegula can break through for her maiden Grand Slam, Rybakina can celebrate a historic ascent to world No. 1 with a title, or Gauff can defend her home‑court advantage and add another trophy to her résumé, the stakes are unmistakably high.
The tennis world will be watching closely as these four champions vie for a coveted place in the final, each hoping to write the next chapter of their remarkable careers.