In a competitive, high-quality match, Sabalenka ended Pegula’s early resistance with a fourth break point for a 4-2 lead in the first set.
The Belarusian then overcame the frustration of being broken back after missing a first set point by eventually taking her fifth opportunity to close out the set on her opponent’s serve.
But Pegula, aware victory by any result would send her through to the semi-finals, took charge of the second set, backing up a break to love by saving two break points against her for a 3-1 lead.
After Sabalenka conceded another break with a double fault – losing a third service game in five – Pegula battled back from two break points down to level the match.
An unsettled Sabalenka was punished for missing her first opportunity of the final set when Pegula clinched her fourth break point to edge in front, but the four-time major winner struck back in an enthralling decider.
That proved crucial as Sabalenka embarked on a four-game streak and, unlike at the Wuhan Open in October, would not allow Pegula to pull off a late fightback – sealing victory with a superb forehand winner.
Sabalenka’s coach, Anton Dubrov, left his seat midway through the match after his player became “so frustrated”.
“Maybe he did the right move because he really upset me and that’s why I was able to pull out something else because I was so stressed,” said Sabalenka.
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