2024 US Open Women’s Final Preview.

After nearly two weeks of electrifying tennis in New York, the US Open, the fourth and final Grand Slam of the year, is approaching its climax. A new champion will be crowned on the women’s side as Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula prepare for what promises to be an epic showdown on Saturday. Here’s a preview of the much-anticipated final.

Aryna Sabalenka vs Jessica Pegula

Aryna Sabalenka: The World No. 2 in Red-Hot Form

Aryna Sabalenka has continued her dominant form at the US Open, securing her spot in the final after a gritty semifinal win over 13th seed Emma Navarro. Sabalenka prevailed 6-3, 7-6 in a match that tested her composure, especially in the second set. Navarro mounted a late challenge, coming back from 5-3 down to force a tiebreak, but Sabalenka remained poised and closed out the match in 90 minutes. The Belarusian has been making quick work of her opponents throughout the tournament, consistently finishing matches in under two hours.

In the quarterfinals, Sabalenka delivered a stunning performance, defeating 7th seed Zheng Qinwen 6-1, 6-2 in just 73 minutes. This result came as a surprise to many, given Zheng’s recent success, including an Olympic gold medal win. However, Sabalenka had previously dominated Zheng in the Australian Open final earlier this year, and once again, she asserted her superiority.

By reaching her second consecutive US Open final, Sabalenka has joined the ranks of the legendary Serena Williams, who achieved the same feat in 2018 and 2019. Known for her power and precision on hard courts, Sabalenka has reached the finals of all the Grand Slam events played on the surface in the past year. She came heartbreakingly close to winning her maiden title at Flushing Meadows last year but was thwarted by a remarkable comeback from Coco Gauff. This time, she’ll be determined to go one step further.

Jessica Pegula: The Hometown Hope

Jessica Pegula is set to play in her first Grand Slam final, and with the support of the home crowd behind her, she believes anything is possible. While Sabalenka enters the final in formidable form, Pegula has also shown she’s a force to be reckoned with. In her semifinal, Pegula produced an extraordinary comeback, defeating unseeded Karolína Muchová 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 after being down a set and trailing 3-0 in the second. Her resilience has given American fans plenty to cheer about, especially after Emma Navarro’s earlier exit.

Although Pegula may not be the favorite going into the final, her recent performances suggest she’s a serious contender. She’s won 15 of her last 16 matches, including a victory at the Canadian Open. Pegula also made a statement by defeating world No. 1 Iga Świątek in straight sets earlier in the tournament, signaling her intent to go all the way. Despite her lack of experience in major finals, Pegula’s performances over the past two weeks have proven she has the ability to compete at the highest level.

Head-to-Head

Sabalenka holds a 5-2 lead in their previous meetings, with their most recent encounter coming at the Cincinnati Masters, where Sabalenka won in straight sets. However, they are tied 2-2 on hard courts, giving Pegula a glimmer of hope. On clay, Sabalenka has a perfect 3-0 record against Pegula.

Prediction

While Pegula’s determination and home advantage will play a significant role, Aryna Sabalenka’s experience and current form make her the favorite to claim her first US Open title.

Predictions: Sabalenka to win

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