Aryna Sabalenka’s bid to repeat as U.S. Open champion is one win away from coming to fruition. 

Overcoming a first-set deficit against the very opponent she took down for the title last year in Flushing, Jessica Pegula, Sabalenka powered through to take a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over the No. 4-seeded American on Thursday night inside an enclosed Arthur Ashe Stadium. 

The Belarusian is on the hunt to become the first woman to successfully defend her title here since Serena Williams won three in a row from 2012-14.

The winner of Naomi Osaka and Amanda Anisimova will be waiting for her on Saturday.

Despite enjoying 42 consecutive weeks at the tippy top of the rankings, Sabalenka is still searching for her first major title this season.

She finished second in Melbourne and Paris, as well as the semifinals at Wimbledon, but has yet to put on a Grand Slam crown since she did so here this time last year.