Jessica Pegula only broke into the world’s top 100 in 2019, days before her 25th birthday. Over the course of a decade-long career, she has undergone two surgeries that have caused her ranking to plummet to 775th.
She has made six quarterfinal appearances in the women’s singles at majors so far, and has failed to make it all. Now, at 30, the Buffalo, New York, native will be competing for her first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open.
In the semifinal match on Thursday (5/9) or Friday morning WIB, she recovered from defeat in the first set and losing a break in the second set, to beat Karolina Muchova 1-6, 6-4, and 6-2.
“It all came down to little moments that turned the momentum around,” Pegula said in her post-match on-court interview, as reported by the tournament’s official website. “I lost by a hair, but she (Muchova) played so well. She made me look like a beginner. I almost cried, because it was embarrassing.”
“I was able to find a way, find the adrenaline, find my pace. Then, at the end of the second set into the third set, I started playing the way I wanted to play,” he added.
Muchova and Pegula were the only players who did not drop a set en route to the semi-finals. The match was a tight three-set affair that lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes.
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Although the Czech is ranked lower, he has more experience having appeared in three major semi-finals, more than the American.
The experience paid off at first. Muchova saved three break point at the start of service game both. Then he controlled every corner of the court very well, moving forward, hitting slices, serving, and volleying. In that set he won easily 6-1.
In the second set, Pegula tried hard to keep up. However, before she could do so, Muchova raced to a 2-0 lead and almost took the match. double break. As the Czech continued to attack forward, Pegula began to defend and hit harder.
Also read: WTA Finals: Sabalenka Faces Swiatek, Pegula Faces Gauff
He put the ball at his opponent’s feet to force an error and level the match. The American continued to be aggressive and won 6-4.
In the third and deciding set, Pegula immediately broke after making several deep returns. Muchova matched the American on almost every point. service game next, chasing a 0-40 deficit.
At 4-2, Muchova had her best chance to equalize with a couple of tries deucebut failed. Pegula instead led 5-2, then broke in the next game to advance to her first Grand Slam final. She will next challenge Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka. (M-3)
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US Open: Jessica Pegula Challenges Aryna Sabalenka in Final
Jessica Pegula, the 30-year-old American tennis player, has made history by reaching her first-ever Grand Slam singles final at the US Open. This remarkable feat comes after a decade-long career filled with setbacks, including two surgeries that plummeted her ranking to 775th. Despite facing numerous challenges, Pegula has shown incredible resilience and determination to reach the pinnacle of success in women’s tennis.
Overcoming Adversity
Pegula’s journey to the top has not been easy. She broke into the world’s top 100 in 2019, just days before her 25th birthday. However, her career has been marred by two surgeries that have significantly impacted her performance. Despite these setbacks, Pegula has refused to give up, and her hard work and dedication have paid off.
Path to the Final
In the semifinal match, Pegula faced stiff competition from Karolina Muchova, a Czech tennis player. The match was a thrilling three-set affair that lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes. Pegula recovered from a defeat in the first set and a break in the second set to ultimately win the match 1-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Turning Point
The match turned in Pegula’s favor when she found her rhythm and pace in the second and third sets. ”It all came down to little moments that turned the momentum around,” Pegula said in her post-match interview. ”I lost by a hair, but she (Muchova) played so well. She made me look like a beginner. I almost cried, because it was embarrassing.”
Pegula’s Resilience
Pegula’s resilience and determination to win were on full display as she fought back from a seemingly insurmountable deficit. “I was able to find a way, find the adrenaline, find my pace. Then, at the end of the second set into the third set, I started playing the way I wanted to play,” she added.
Final Matchup
Pegula will face Aryna Sabalenka in the final match, which promises to be an exciting encounter. Sabalenka, the Belarusian tennis player, has been in top form this season, and the matchup between the two will be a thrilling conclusion to the US Open.
Key Takeaways
Jessica Pegula has reached her first-ever Grand Slam singles final at the US Open.
Pegula has overcome adversity, including two surgeries, to reach the top of women’s tennis.
The American tennis player has shown incredible resilience and determination to win.
Pegula will face Aryna Sabalenka in the final match, which promises to be an exciting encounter.
Optimized Keywords: Jessica Pegula, US Open, Aryna Sabalenka, Grand Slam, Women’s Tennis, Karolina Muchova, Czech Tennis Player, American Tennis Player, Tennis Semifinals, Tennis Finals.
Meta Description: Jessica Pegula reaches her first-ever Grand Slam singles final at the US Open, overcoming adversity and setbacks. She will face Aryna Sabalenka in the final match. Read more about Pegula’s remarkable journey to the top.
