New York, Sept 06 (V7N) — In a remarkable turnaround, Jessica Pegula overcame a set and a break deficit to defeat Karolina Muchova and secure her place in the US Open final on Thursday. The sixth-ranked American triumphed with a score of 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 and will now face world number two Aryna Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion, in Saturday’s final.

Sabalenka secured her spot in her second consecutive US Open final by defeating another American, Emma Navarro, with scores of 6-3, 7-6 (7/2).

Pegula, reflecting on her dramatic match, admitted, “I thought I was lucky to still be in it.” She highlighted a crucial moment when Muchova missed an opportunity to break to 3-0 in the second set. “She made me look like a beginner, she was destroying me and I was about to burst into tears, but it all came down to small moments. I don’t know how I turned that around.”

Pegula, who has won 15 of her last 16 matches on the US summer hard court swing, including a title in Toronto and a runner-up finish in Cincinnati to Sabalenka, is eager for a rematch. “It’s a chance for revenge, but she’ll be tough to beat,” said Pegula.

Muchova initially dominated, saving three break points in the first set’s third game, which led to a rapid decline by Pegula. The 30-year-old American lost serve in the fourth and sixth games, dropping the set in just 28 minutes. It was Pegula’s first set loss of the tournament, following her defeat of world number one Iga Swiatek to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final.

Despite Muchova’s early break for a 2-0 lead in the second set, Pegula halted the momentum, eventually leveling the match after Muchova double-faulted on set point. Pegula surged ahead in the final set, breaking to a 3-0 lead and extending it to 5-2 after a prolonged seventh game. Muchova’s 46th unforced error sealed her fate and Pegula’s place in the final.

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