The night air at Arthur Ashe Stadium was thick with tension as Jessica Pegula fell just short of toppling world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a hard-fought US Open semifinal. Despite searing baseline exchanges and near-flawless serving deep into the third set, Pegula’s bid ended in a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat. Yet her words afterward left no doubt about her belief in her own level and her readiness to keep chasing a first Grand Slam title.
What Did Jessica Pegula Say About the US Open Semifinal Clash with Aryna Sabalenka?
During the post-match press conference, reporters asked Pegula her thoughts on the hard-fought battle. She explained exactly how she felt about the match and her rival Sabalenka’s game.
“I thought it was really high level,” Pegula said, pausing as she searched for how to explain the fine margins. “I don’t really know how I didn’t break back in the third.” She praised both players for serving so well under pressure, including her own performance, saying, “I felt like we were both serving pretty well, and she came up with some ridiculous shots on break point. I didn’t feel like I did much wrong. It just seemed like the level was really high.”
Pressed on those early service games, Pegula noted the first-game break proved decisive but added that she held “really easily” after that. She reflected on how her own serve even improved compared to previous meetings with Sabalenka, only to rue the unlucky timing of being broken. “I almost felt like I served better in the third, even though I got broken first and didn’t break her back. That’s just unfortunate.”
Looking ahead beyond New York, Pegula reminded everyone of her confidence. “I always feel like I’m one of the top players in the world,” she said. “I can go out and beat these girls. Even if I don’t have a massive weapon like some of them, I feel like I’m always right there every time I play.”
Considering how her summer began, she was proud of the effort she poured into it. “I’m happy to walk away knowing I gave everything tonight against the best player in the world right now.”
How Did the US Open Thriller Between Pegula and Sabalenka Unfold?
From the outset, both women held serve comfortably, trading powerful forehands and punishing serves. Sabalenka struck first with a break to lead 4-2 in the opening set before Pegula rallied, winning four straight games to close it out 6-4. The American landed an impressive 77 percent of her first serves in that set and claimed nearly three-quarters of those points.
However, Sabalenka responded fiercely in the second set. The top seed broke early and raced to a 3-0 lead. Pegula’s first-serve percentage dipped to 47 percent, and Sabalenka’s heavier shot-making prevailed at 43 winners to 21, leveling the match 6-3.
Pegula’s frustration grew in the third set after falling behind with an early break. Despite creating multiple break point opportunities in key games, she failed to convert and missed her chance to level the match. The champion finished with eight aces and twice as many winners as her opponent in 2 hours 7 minutes, demonstrating why she’s a three-time Grand Slam champion.
MORE: Aryna Sabalenka Lets Out Jubilant Roar After Surviving Jessica Pegula Scare at US Open
Sabalenka will now defend her title against the Naomi Osaka and Amanda Anisimova semifinal winner. She has been the runner-up at two Grand Slams this year, at the Australian Open and Roland Garros, losing both to an American, Madison Keys and Coco Gauff, respectively.
