In an electrifying performance at her home Grand Slam, Jessica Pegula soared to a career milestone, defeating the top-seeded Iga Swiatek in straight sets to reach the semifinals of the US Open. For the first time, the American broke through her quarterfinal barrier at a major, impressing the crowd with her relentless groundstrokes and strategic play.
Pegula, who has been a frequent quarterfinalist at major tournaments, finally celebrated her much-anticipated advancement to the semifinals. “A quarterfinalist so many freaking times, and finally a semi-finalist,” Pegula said to the New York crowd, expressing the relief and joy of her achievement. The victory held special significance, coming under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium at 7 p.m., in front of her home crowd, and against the world’s best player. “My home Slam in New York City, against the number one player in the world – all of those things made it a lot more special,” Pegula reflected.
Throughout the match, Pegula’s consistency and shot-making abilities were on full display. She executed her game plan to perfection, taking advantage of the faster courts to consistently change the direction of the ball, which proved to be a key in frustrating Swiatek. Pegula explained, “I was using my ability to change the direction of the ball really well… being able to do that over and over again was starting to frustrate her.”
Swiatek, who hadn’t dropped a set in the tournament prior to this match, was unable to find her rhythm as Pegula dominated from start to finish. Pegula closed out the match confidently in straight sets, a result she had hoped for to avoid the uncertainties of a third set.
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The significance of Pegula’s win extends beyond just her personal triumph. It adds to the excitement of American tennis, with Pegula being one of four American semifinalists across the men’s and women’s draws. “I wanted to be that fourth American so bad,” she said, highlighting how meaningful it would be to have an all-American final. Pegula noted that American men’s tennis was also having a moment, with a guaranteed finalist on the men’s side for the first time in years. “It’s incredible… I hope we can make it an all-American final.”
Despite her victory, Pegula remains focused on the bigger picture. Channeling the mentality of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, she reminded herself, “Job’s not finished.” While she was proud of her victory against Swiatek, she knew there was more work to be done. With the semifinals looming, Pegula was already thinking ahead. “I’ll snap my fingers, and it’ll feel like the day has flown by, and I’ll be back here tomorrow night having to play a semi,” she said.
As Pegula prepares for her next challenge, her breakthrough at the US Open has ignited excitement among fans, who hope to see the American continue her impressive run and possibly lift the trophy at her home Grand Slam.
