US Open finals will feature Aryna Sabalenka in the women's showpiece and an all American men's semifinal between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe. The tournament moves into its concluding rounds with Sabalenka one win from retaining her title and the Americans meeting in a rare semifinal.
Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the final after beating Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2, as reported in match coverage. Sabalenka absorbed little pressure in the second set and finished with a composed attack that left Pegula searching for answers.
Sabalenka said in a news conference after the win that she felt confident and physically strong. Coverage also noted she landed 55 percent of her first serves and won about two thirds of points on her second serves.
Pegula had a single break chance in the first set and double-faulted at 5-6, a sequence that helped Sabalenka capture the opening set. Pegula joked to Sabalenka after the match asking if Sabalenka liked them, a quip that underscored the winner's control that night.
Men's Semifinal Preview And Prediction
The men's side will present a marquee all American semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium with Ben Shelton facing Frances Tiafoe. Coverage called it only the third all American US Open semifinal of the 21st century and a rare spectacle for home fans.
Both players arrive in strong form. Tiafoe rallied from two sets down to stun Alex Michelsen and keep his title hopes alive. Shelton produced the tournament's biggest upset by outlasting defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five set epic that ended at 3:33 a.m., noted as the latest finish in US Open history.
Shelton's game features a serve that can exceed 150 MPH and a blend of aggressive offense with resilient defense, as reported by match previews. Tiafoe relies on a powerful serve and heavy forehand and is making his third US Open semifinal appearance.
Analysts caution that Tiafoe must avoid another slow start against Shelton, who has maintained high intensity through the event. Given Shelton's current surge and recent victory over the defending champion, the preview predicted No. 8 Ben Shelton would defeat No. 11 Frances Tiafoe in four sets.
