Sabalenka also showed grit as she battled back from a set down to beat Pegula and reach her third straight US Open final.
It has been a disappointing season in terms of Grand Slam success for Sabalenka, considering she reached the final at the Australian and French Opens.
She also made it to the semi-finals at Wimbledon, but on all three occasions emotions got the better of the 27-year-old.
The collapses in composure were reminiscent of her early career – and something she seemed to have put behind her when she claimed three Grand Slam titles in the space of 20 months.
However, the Belarusian avoided more Grand Slam heartbreak by, for the most part, keeping her emotions in check against Pegula to continue her bid for a fourth Grand major singles title.
Sabalenka led the first set 4-2 before losing four straight games, and had to stave off four break points in the final set as she secured victory.
“Hopefully I can go all the way again,” said Sabalenka, who has now reached six successive finals at the hard-court Grand Slams.
“It means a lot. I will go out there on Saturday and I will fight for every point like it’s the last point of my life.”
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