Aryna Sabalenka is gunning for her third US Open title in a row – can Jessica Pegula stop her this time?
The two meet on Thursday night as part of a blockbuster women's semifinal line-up that features all four top seeds – the first time since 1975 the top four women all made it so far in the event.
Third-seeded Pegula will face top-seeded Sabalenka for the third year in a row at Flushing Meadows, where she lost to the Belarusian in the 2024 final and in the semifinals last year.
Since falling in the semis last year, Pegula has won two of three meetings with Sabalenka, and the 32-year-old American would like to transfer that success to the Grand Slam stage.
"I think it’s fun to look at the rivalry we’ve had. She’s gotten me here the last couple of years. I have been able to beat her a few times, maybe on a smaller stage, so I think that’s going to be kind of a hurdle for me to get over," Pegula said as she prepared for the latest instalment of her rivalry with Sabalenka.
Thursday night's other semifinal will feature second-seeded Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina taking on 2023 US Open winner Coco Gauff.
Rybakina, assured of supplanting Sabalenka atop the world rankings just by reaching the semis, is trying to stay focused on the hunt for third Grand Slam title.
"It's a different achievement," she said of reaching No 1. "Mostly you think about the titles in the end of the day."
AFP Sport looks at women's semifinal action on Day 12 of the US Open:
ARYNA SABALENKA (BLR X1) V JESSICA PEGULA (USA X3)
Sabalenka leads head to head 9-4
– Pegula came into the tournament as one of three players with a chance to take the No 1 ranking from Sabalenka, but that discussion became moot when Rybakina reached the semis to be assured of ascending to the top spot.
For Sabalenka, that's a side issue as she tries to become just the third woman after Chris Evert and Serena Williams to win three straight US Open titles.
"Three-peat, sounds great," said Sabalenka, who was unable to complete the treble when she had the chance at the 2025 Australian Open.
"What I learned from Australia is it's really important to shut down all of the noises and having that on the back of your mind," Sabalenka said. "It's nothing wrong about that, just as long as you're focusing on yourself, as long as you're ready to fight, basically."
The Belarusian, who had hit the skids since winning her third title of the year at Miami in March, knows Pegula is a serious obstacle.
"I love playing against her because it's a battle, because it's a fight, and I love being under pressure and going through tough challenges. It's going to be really high-intensity level of tennis.
COCO GAUFF (USA X4) V ELENA RYBAKINA (KAZ X2)
Head to head level 1-1
– Rybakina is ready for a hostile reception on Arthur Ashe Stadium against 2023 US Open winner Gauff – who has been a favourite of New York crowds since her US Open debut as a 15-year-old wild card in 2019.
Gauff's only win over Rybakina came back in 2023, but Rybakina won their most recent in encounter, in the semifinals at Toronto last month.
"I just need to stay aggressive, try not to let my emotions not let me play," Rybakina said.
Having secured the No 1 ranking, she's zeroing in on a possible third major title, to go with the Wimbledon trophy she lifted in 2022 and her Australian crown this year.
"I think from where I was coming to this tournament, being injured and not practicing, I think we came pretty far," said Rybakina, whose preparations were thrown into turmoil by a heel injury.
"Now we just (have the) last push and it's important to still enjoy."
Gauff punched her semifinal ticket with a gutsy win over French Open champion Mirra Andreeva to line up another shot at Rybakina.
The American, who saved two match points in her quarterfinal win, said her loss to Rybakina in Canada left her knowing what she'll need to do.
"Elena is playing some great tennis," Gauff said. "Congrats to her for being the new World No 1. I think that's incredible.
"I know I'm going to have some aces hit on me and some winners hit on me, but I'm going to keep fighting and give it my all."