Home SPORTS US Open Semifinals: Sabalenka Takes on Pegula, Osaka Faces Anisimova

US Open Semifinals: Sabalenka Takes on Pegula, Osaka Faces Anisimova

Read
Aryna Sabalenka

The stage is set for thrilling US Open semifinals. Read about the upcoming matches between Sabalenka and Pegula, and Osaka and Anisimova, and what to expect from these talented players.


“I feel like I really made a point to myself and maybe to other people that if you really put on a positive...”


The US Open semifinals are set to deliver thrilling matchups, with world number one Aryna Sabalenka facing off against Jessica Pegula in a rematch of last year's final. Pegula is undoubtedly driven by revenge, having lost to Sabalenka in the 2024 final with a score of 7-5, 7-5. Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 7-2 and has won the last three meetings without dropping a set.




Sabalenka's recent walkover against Marketa Vondrousova, who withdrew due to injury, might give her an edge in terms of rest and preparation. Meanwhile, Pegula has been impressive this year, reaching the semifinals without dropping a set and dominating Barbora Krejcikova 6-3, 6-3 in the quarterfinals. The match is scheduled for Friday at 4:30 am IST and will be broadcast on Star Sports Network, with live streaming available on JioHotstar.


In the other semifinal, Naomi Osaka takes on Amanda Anisimova, who has been rewarded for her fearless approach with a spot in the last four. Osaka, playing some of the best tennis of her life since returning to the tour after giving birth, will aim to outmaneuver Anisimova and secure a spot in the title decider.


Aryna Sabalenka has been on an impressive run, reaching the semifinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments this season. However, she's yet to secure a title, having lost in the finals at Melbourne Park and the French Open, and also falling short to Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon semifinals.


In contrast, Jessica Pegula is riding a wave of peak form, having just defeated Barbora Krejcikova 6-3, 6-3 to reach the semifinals. This win marks a significant milestone for Pegula, making her the first American woman since Serena Williams (2011-2014) to reach consecutive US Open semifinals without dropping a set. Pegula's momentum is certainly on her side as she prepares to face Sabalenka.


“Last year I walked off court thinking about everything I could have done better, but now I see how incredible that run really was. I'm playing the best player in the world, and that's exciting.


Aryna Sabalenka leads Jessica Pegula 7-2 in their head-to-head record and has dominated their recent meetings, winning the last three encounters on North American hard courts in straight sets. Their most recent matchup was last year's US Open final, where Sabalenka won 7-5, 7-5, denying Pegula her first Grand Slam title.


Meanwhile, American player Amanda Anisimova has been on a roll, exacting revenge over second seed Iga Swiatek with a convincing 6-4, 6-3 win in the quarterfinals. This victory marks a triumphant return to top form for Anisimova, who took a mental health break last year. The 24-year-old's win over Swiatek was particularly sweet, given her 6-0, 6-0 loss to the Pole in the Wimbledon final just two months prior. Now, Anisimova will face Naomi Osaka in the semifinals, while Sabalenka takes on Pegula in a rematch of last year's final.


“To lose 6-0, 6-0 in a Grand Slam final was a lot to experience,” Anisimova said. “I'm just really proud of myself.“


“I feel like I really made a point to myself and maybe to other people that if you really put on a positive mindset ... you can have a positive outcome.”


Naomi Osaka stands in the way of Amanda Anisimova's second consecutive major final. Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, is steadily rebuilding her ranking and confidence after a year away from the sport for maternity leave. She secured her spot in the semifinals with a 6-4, 7-6(3) win over 11th seed Karolina Muchova, overcoming a tough challenge from the Czech player.


“I'm just really grateful to be here,” Osaka said, expressing her gratitude for reaching her first Grand Slam semifinal since 2021. Osaka's journey back to the top has been remarkable, and she's now one step away from her first major final since the 2021 US Open. Her match against Anisimova promises to be an exciting encounter, with both players looking to make their mark on the tournament.


Naomi Osaka is living her dream, having reached the US Open semifinals after a strong run in the tournament. “I was sitting up there watching (in 2023) hoping I would have the opportunity to play on this court again, so my dream is coming true,” Osaka said, reflecting on her journey. She's shown flashes of her top form, highlighted by a notable win over third seed Coco Gauff in the fourth round, her first top-10 victory of the season.


Osaka's upcoming match against Amanda Anisimova will be a new challenge, as Anisimova has won both of their previous encounters in 2022 at the Australian Open and Roland Garros. Osaka will look to turn the tide and secure her first win over Anisimova as she chases a spot in the US Open final.





Tags :

No comments:

Leave comment here

Subscribe to: Post Comments ( Atom )
Powered by Blogger.