Jessica Pegula overcomes Emma Navarro in 2026 US Open quarterfinal, sets up semifinal clash with Sabalenka

Jessica Pegula staged a remarkable comeback to defeat fellow American Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the US Open 2026 quarterfinal on Tuesday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The win sends the American No.1 into the semi-finals for the third consecutive year, where she will face two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka – a repeat of the 2026 final. The match started more than an hour late due to Frances Tiafoe's long five-set win over Alex Michelsen earlier in the day. Both players looked rusty in the first set, trading breaks and hitting five double faults each. Navarro, seeded 26th, edged the set thanks to an extra break. Pegula leveled in the second set with a strong forehand winner, then took control in the decider with another crucial break. Notably, this was Pegula's 50th win of the season, making her the first player on the WTA Tour to reach the milestone in 2026. It was also her fifth consecutive win over Navarro, including a victory at the Cincinnati Open last month. "I knew Emma would be tough. She's a great competitor and always fights to the end. I just tried to stay focused, take my chances on break points, and serve better in the key moments," Pegula said after the match. Pegula enters the semifinal against Sabalenka as the most impressive hard-court player this season, with a 28-4 record on the surface in 2026, including titles in Miami and Cincinnati. Sabalenka, meanwhile, is chasing a third consecutive US Open title, a feat only achieved by Serena Williams in the Open era. "This will be a huge challenge. Aryna is a true champion and I've had tough matches with her. But I think I've improved a lot, and I'm looking forward to this opportunity," Pegula added. The semifinal is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, at Arthur Ashe Stadium. It promises to be one of the best matches of the tournament, with both players at the peak of their form. For Navarro, despite the quarterfinal exit, she has had a successful Grand Slam season, reaching the US Open quarterfinals for the first time. She will leave New York with a new career-high ranking inside the top 20. The 2026 US Open continues to see American dominance in both singles draws, with three representatives remaining in the semifinals – a positive sign for American tennis after years of waiting for a Grand Slam champion.