A US Open final weekend preview

The GIST: Honey Deuce season is almost over, but before it officially comes to an end, the US Open has three days of action — today’s men’s semis, tomorrow’s women’s final, and Sunday’s men’s final — on the docket.

• Best of all? Two first-time US Open winners will be crowned by the weekend’s end. Brilliant.

Today’s men’s semis features an All-American clash: World No. 1 Jannik Sinner is in strong form in Queens, pushing past his recent doping scandal and fighting for a chance to win his second career major following January’s Australian Open win. His 3 p.m. ET opponent? No. 25 Jack Draper, the first British man to advance to the semis since 2012.

• But prime time promises fireworks because tonight at 7 p.m. ET, two red, white, and blue buddies are facing off in the US Open semis for the first time in 19 years: No. 12 Taylor Fritz vs. No. 20 Frances Tiafoe. Expect a real racket at Arthur Ashe.

No. 6 Jessica Pegula taking on No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka for first major title: Pegula defeated unseeded Karolína Muchová in three sets last night, clinching a spot in tomorrow’s final against Sabalenka. Following a dominant hardcourt year that included her first Grand Slam win at the 2024 Australian Open, Sabalenka is the player to beat, dropping just one set this tourney.

• Pegula has never made it this far in a Grand Slam, but after taking out No. 1 Iga Świątek (pronounced SHVEE-ON-TIK) in the quarters, the American just may leverage the home crowd energy to leave Flushing Meadows on the 7 train with a new piece of hardware.