The 30-year-old American defeated Czech Karolina Muchova 1:6, 6:4, 6:2 and will now face world number two Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus in the final on Saturday (10 p.m. CEST/live Sky, Joyn). Last year’s finalist wants to finally triumph in Flushing Meadows after two Australian Open titles.
US fans can keep their fingers crossed for their compatriots in both singles finals this year. In 2024, Coco Gauff achieved a home triumph with her first title at major level. In the men’s competition, Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe will fight for a place in the final in the second semi-final on Saturday night.
“The title would mean the world to me”
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Billionaire daughter Pegula could fulfill a wish that all her family’s money cannot make possible. Possibly because of her personal history and many envious people, the world number six will give everything to lift the trophy into the sky. “The title would mean the world to me,” enthused Pegula and said to her family in the box: “I’m so happy that I can share this moment with you.”
At Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, his husband, brother and sister were in their box, and his father Terrence was also there from a box. The 73-year-old made his billion-dollar fortune in oil and gas, is one of the 400 richest people in the world according to Forbes magazine, and, together with his wife Kim, owns a sports empire with the NFL team Buffalo Bills and the NHL team Buffalo Sabres.
Wealth is not always a blessing
Her family’s wealth has not always been a blessing for the ambitious athlete. During the US Open, she posted a video on Instagram of herself taking the subway to the venue in the Queens district. What upsets her most? “That people think I have a butler, that I’m chauffeured around, that I have a private limousine,” she said during the tournament. “That’s definitely not who I am.”
After six major quarterfinals at the four major tournaments, this time she knocked the top seeded Pole Iga Swiatek out of the tournament with 6:2, 6:4. By reaching the final she is guaranteed 1.8 million dollars and if she wins she will receive 3.6 million dollars (3.24 million euros). Much more important to her than the money, however, will be the fact that she has moved into the top 3 in the world for the first time, as third. Regardless of the outcome of the final, the top 3 will be Swiatek, Sabalenka and Pegula.
“Playing against Aryna will be really difficult,” says Pegula. In the semifinal against Emma Navarro (6:3,7:6) she showed why she is probably the favorite to win the tournament. The two last played against each other in the final in Cincinnati just over two weeks ago. Sabalenka won the match 6:3,7:5, meaning the player from Belarus has now made it 5:2 in the head-to-head.
Faster forehand than men
A good omen for Pegula could be that Gauff also eliminated Muchova in the semifinals last year on the way to her first major title. But Sabalenka seems better prepared this year, also in terms of dealing with the biased audience. A circumstance that played a role in last year’s final.
Now she had a dress rehearsal against Navarro in this regard. Sabalenka admitted that memories of the final against Gauff came back in the tiebreak of the second set. “They’re screaming for her, but how can they help her win the match? Only if I let them in my head and let them drive me crazy,” Sabalenka said. “I hope I can hold this beautiful trophy in my hands.”
An astonishing detail about Sabalenka’s power has now been revealed: she hits her forehand over the net at an average speed of 129 km/h, beating all the men at the US Open (!). Carlos Alcaraz scored 127, Jannik Sinner 126 and Novak Djokovic 122.
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American Tennis Star Jessica Pegula Reaches US Open Finals: A Journey to the Top
The 2024 US Open has been an exciting tournament so far, with American tennis star Jessica Pegula making it to the finals after defeating Czech Karolina Muchova in the semifinals. Pegula, ranked sixth in the world, will face off against world number two Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus in the final on Saturday. This is Pegula’s first Grand Slam final, and she’s determined to bring home the title.
A Billionaire’s Daughter with a Humble Attitude
Jessica Pegula’s personal story is one of rags-to-riches. Her father, Terrence Pegula, is a billionaire who made his fortune in oil and gas and owns several sports teams, including the NFL team Buffalo Bills and the NHL team Buffalo Sabres. However, despite her wealthy upbringing, Pegula has always remained humble and grounded. She has spoken out about how people often misunderstand her, thinking she has a butler and is chauffeured around everywhere. In reality, she took the subway to the US Open venue, just like any other New Yorker.
Overcoming Obstacles and Proving Herself
Pegula’s journey to the top has not been easy. She has faced skepticism and criticism due to her privileged background. However, she has consistently proven herself to be a talented and dedicated tennis player. She has reached six major quarterfinals and has now made it to her first Grand Slam final. Her hard work and determination have earned her a spot in the top 3 in the world, alongside Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka.
The Final Showdown: Pegula vs. Sabalenka
Pegula’s opponent in the final, Aryna Sabalenka, is a force to be reckoned with. The Belarusian tennis star has been on a roll, winning several titles this year, including the Cincinnati Open just two weeks ago. Sabalenka has a powerful forehand, which has been clocked at an average speed of 129 km/h, beating even the top male players at the US Open.
In their last encounter, Sabalenka defeated Pegula in the final of the Cincinnati Open. However, Pegula is determined to turn the tables this time around. “Playing against Aryna will be really difficult,” she said. “But I’m going to give it my all and see what happens.”
The American Tennis Dream
Jessica Pegula’s success is a dream come true for American tennis fans. If she wins the title, she will join Coco Gauff, who won her
