For the first time in her career, Jessica Pegula has reached a Grand Slam singles final, a significant milestone for the 30-year-old American tennis star. Pegula showcased her resilience and determination in a thrilling comeback victory during her U.S. Open semifinal, defeating Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic 1–6, 6–4, 6–2. This win propels Pegula into Saturday’s final, where she will face the formidable No. 2 seed and two-time major champion, Aryna Sabalenka.
Pegula’s journey to this point has been marked by perseverance and steady progress, and her performance in the semifinal was a testament to her ability to stay composed under pressure. After a shaky start, where she dropped the first set to a red-hot Muchova, Pegula regrouped and shifted the momentum in her favor. She battled back in the second set and took control of the third, securing her spot in the championship match.
This victory is especially sweet for Pegula, as it marks her first-ever Grand Slam final after multiple quarterfinal appearances in previous majors. Prior to the 2024 U.S. Open, Pegula had made it to the final eight in six different Grand Slam tournaments, including three Australian Opens, and one each at the French Open, Wimbledon, and U.S. Open. However, each time, she fell short of advancing to the semifinals, leaving her hungry for a deeper run.
RELATED: Jessica Pegula, Bills Heiress, Shares Clever Drug-Testing Hack Involving Beer
Pegula’s path to the final has been anything but straightforward, filled with challenges and top-tier competition. In the quarterfinals, Pegula delivered one of her best performances of the tournament, defeating world No. 1 Iga ?wi?tek in straight sets. It was a statement win for the American, who had struggled to overcome top-ranked opponents in previous major tournaments. Her victory over ?wi?tek not only boosted her confidence but also solidified her position as a serious contender for the title.
In Thursday’s semifinal, Muchova came out strong, overwhelming Pegula in the opening set with powerful serves and aggressive play. Muchova quickly seized the first set 6–1 and gained an early lead in the second set, taking the first two games. Pegula appeared to be on the ropes, but she dug deep, finding her rhythm and adjusting her strategy to mount a comeback. She began to capitalize on her first serve, which had been inconsistent in the first set, and turned the tide in her favor. Pegula’s serving stats improved dramatically, winning 54% of her first-serve points in the second set and a commanding 71% in the third, compared to just 36% in the opening set.
Muchova, who had also been chasing her first Grand Slam final, struggled to regain the momentum after being broken early in the third set. Pegula’s steady and strategic play wore down her opponent, allowing her to close out the match with a decisive 6–2 final set. The comeback win demonstrated Pegula’s maturity and growth as a player, as she maintained focus and composure even when facing adversity.
With this breakthrough victory, Pegula is now just one win away from capturing her first Grand Slam singles title. Standing in her way is Sabalenka, a fierce competitor with two major titles already under her belt. Sabalenka, known for her powerful game and aggressive style, will provide a tough challenge for Pegula in the final.
As Pegula prepares for the biggest match of her career, the pressure is on, but so is the opportunity to solidify her place among the elite in women’s tennis.
The final will take place on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET, where Pegula will look to complete her dream run by lifting the coveted U.S. Open trophy.
No matter the outcome, Pegula’s journey to the final has been an inspiring display of perseverance, growth, and resilience, marking her as a true contender in the world of tennis.
