Pegula fights back to set up US Open final with Sabalenka

Jessica Pegula (left) is into her first Grand Slam singles final, while Aryna Sabalenka will contest her fourth. Getty Images

New York, September 6 — Home favourite Jessica Pegula staged a stunning comeback to set up an enticing US Open final against world number two Aryna Sabalenka.

American Pegula came back from a set, break and break point down to see off Karolina Muchova 1-6 6-4 6-2 and reach a first major singles final.

She will now face Sabalenka, who powered into the final for the second year in a row with a 6-3 7-6 (7-2) victory over American Emma Navarro 6-3 7-2.

The Belarusian is the first women's player since the great Serena Williams in 2019 to reach back-to-back singles finals at Flushing Meadows.

Sabalenka will be greeted by a wall of noisy support for New York-born Pegula on Saturday - but she already has experience in that area, having jokingly admonished the crowd for cheering for Navarro.

"Well now you're cheering for me, it's a bit too late," Sabalenka said as she began her post-match interview.

"It really means a lot and even though you guys were supporting her still I had goosebumps for you cheering.

"Margaritas for everyone!"

Pegula had previously lost her past six major quarter-finals before beating world number one Iga Swiatek on Thursday, and she followed that up with a battling victory over Muchova.

"I came out flat but she was playing unbelievable, she made me look like a beginner," Pegula said.

"I was about to burst into tears because it was embarrassing, she was destroying me.

"I don't know how I turned that around, honestly."