The Wuhan Open semifinal stage delivered one of the year’s biggest upsets as Jessica Pegula managed to halt Aryna Sabalenka’s remarkable winning streak at the tournament. The American’s victory came after a stunning comeback performance that left fans on the edge of their seats. Pegula’s triumph marks a significant moment in the tournament’s history and sets the stage for an exciting final showdown.
Jessica Pegula Beats Aryna Sabalenka in a Three Set Semifinal Clash
Pegula produced a remarkable comeback to defeat world No. 1 Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(2) in the Wuhan Open semifinal on Saturday. The match lasted 2 hours and 19 minutes and saw Pegula overcome a daunting 2-5 deficit in the final set.
Sabalenka started strong, dominating the opening set with powerful groundstrokes and taking it 6-2 in just 40 minutes. The first set featured five service breaks in the opening six games before Sabalenka established control. The world No. 1 looked set to cruise to another Wuhan final when she secured the early advantage.
However, Pegula found her rhythm in the second set despite facing serving difficulties early on. Her strong groundstrokes helped her level the match by taking the second set 6-4. The match reached its climax in the final set when Sabalenka served for victory at 5-3.
From this position, Pegula mounted an incredible comeback. She broke Sabalenka’s serve after the Belarusian had saved two break points at 0-40. In a moment of frustration, Sabalenka threw her racquet, which bounced dangerously close to a cameraman but avoided contact, receiving warning from umpire. Pegula then took a 6-5 lead but faltered when serving for the match.
BREATHTAKING 💪
Jess Pegula battles back from a set down against Sabalenka to win the deciding tiebreak 7-2. An absolute classic in Wuhan!
#WuhanOpen pic.twitter.com/bEXfnfZKnC— wta (@WTA) October 11, 2025
In the crucial 12th game, Pegula committed four double faults, including one on her first match point. She missed two match points before Sabalenka forced a tiebreak. In the tiebreak, Pegula dominated early, building a 6-1 lead before closing out the victory 7-2.
Pegula Ends Sabalenka’s Historic Wuhan Open Reign
Pegula’s victory marked the end of Sabalenka’s perfect 20-0 record at the Wuhan Open. The Belarusian had won the tournament three times – in 2018, 2019, and 2024. This was Sabalenka’s first defeat in Wuhan since the tournament began her dominant run.
Before this loss, Sabalenka had also won 19 consecutive tiebreaks on tour, dating back to February. Pegula broke both streaks in one match, delivering what many considered an impossible result. The victory was particularly sweet for Pegula, who had previously lost four straight matches to Sabalenka, including recent finals at Miami and the US Open.
For Pegula, this represents her third career victory against Sabalenka and comes after an incredible run of form. The 31-year-old has now played eight consecutive three-set matches, winning seven of them. She also broke Sabalenka’s serve seven times during the match.
The victory sets up an all-American final between Pegula and Coco Gauff. Gauff reached the final by defeating Jasmine Paolini 6-4, 6-3 in the other semifinal. This will be the fourth all-American final on tour this year, the most since 2003. Pegula leads their head-to-head record 4-2, though Gauff won their most recent meeting at last season’s WTA Finals.
Sunday’s final will guarantee the first non-Sabalenka champion in Wuhan since 2017. Both Americans will be seeking their first title at the tournament, with Pegula aiming for her fourth career WTA 1000 title and Gauff looking to add to her growing trophy collection.