The Kazakh fifth seed, who is targeting a second Grand Slam crown, fought her way into the title match by downing American sixth seed Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) in a 1hr 40min arm-wrestle. Like Sabalenka, she is yet to drop a set all tournament, although Pegula went close. After dominating the first set, it was a tense finish for Rybakina with Pegula saving three match points on her own serve then breaking as the Kazakh served for the match. Nervy endingDubai-based Rybakina made a statement start, holding to love, then forced a break when Pegula slapped a backhand into the net. Pegula saved three match points on serve at 3-5 then pulled off a stunning break as the jittery fifth seed was serving for the match.