Jessica Pegula charged into the U.S. Open semifinals for the second straight year, crushing Barbora Krejcikova in straight sets on Tuesday. The American star, fresh off a tough season, showed why she’s a force on hard courts. But can she finally grab that first Grand Slam title? Stick around to see how she’s turning heads in New York.
Pegula’s Flawless Run Continues at Flushing Meadows
Jessica Pegula has not dropped a single set through five matches at this year’s U.S. Open. That stunning fact highlights her dominance as she beat Krejcikova 6-3, 6-3 in under 90 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 31-year-old, seeded fourth, broke through early struggles in majors. She went 0-for-23 in reaching semifinals before last year’s U.S. Open final, where she fell to Aryna Sabalenka. This time, Pegula looks sharper than ever.
She started strong against Krejcikova, grabbing an early break and never looking back. Even when things got tight in the second set, Pegula held firm, sealing the win on her first match point.
Pegula shared her thoughts after the match. She talked about feeling at home on big courts now, something she never expected a decade ago.
Overcoming Past Hurdles in Grand Slam Tournaments
Pegula’s journey to this point has been full of ups and downs. After her breakthrough last year, she faced setbacks: a fourth-round exit at the Australian Open, third round at the French Open, and a shocking first-round loss at Wimbledon.
But hard courts suit her game. She’s won 11 of her last 12 matches at the U.S. Open, building on that momentum from her 2024 final run.
In this tournament, Pegula has been clinical. She powered past players like Ann Li in the round of 16 with a quick 6-1, 6-2 victory. Her quick starts and solid play have kept opponents on the back foot.
This semifinal spot marks just her second at a major. It’s a big step for the Buffalo native, who is one of only two Americans left in the women’s singles draw, alongside Amanda Anisimova.
Facing a Potential Rematch with Sabalenka
Next up could be a blockbuster clash. If top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka beats Marketa Vondrousova in her quarterfinal, she’ll face Pegula again. That would be a rematch of last year’s final, adding extra drama.
Sabalenka has climbed to world No. 1 and remains a powerhouse. Pegula knows the challenge but sounds ready. She mentioned how Krejcikova, a two-time Grand Slam champ, pushed her hard but couldn’t break through.
Pegula avoided the pitfalls that doomed Taylor Townsend against Krejcikova in the previous round. Townsend blew eight match points, but Pegula stayed composed.
Here’s what makes Pegula’s game click right now:
- Strong serving that racks up easy points.
- Aggressive returns that pressure opponents from the start.
- Mental toughness honed from years on tour.
These elements have turned her into a semifinal regular at her home Slam.
Pegula’s Rise and What It Means for American Tennis
Pegula, daughter of Buffalo Bills and Sabres owners, brings a unique story to the court. At 31, she’s hitting her peak, proving age is no barrier in women’s tennis.
Her success boosts American hopes. With Coco Gauff out early, Pegula carries the flag. Data from the WTA shows U.S. players have reached the U.S. Open semis in back-to-back years, a streak not seen since the early 2000s.
She aims for her first major title, joining legends like Serena Williams. Pegula’s path shows persistence pays off, inspiring fans who dream big later in life.
In a quick chat post-match, Pegula laughed about her comfort on the “best court in the world” with wild crowds. It’s a far cry from her early career doubts.
| Year | U.S. Open Result | Key Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Final (Runner-up) | Aryna Sabalenka |
| 2025 | Semifinals (Ongoing) | Barbora Krejcikova (QF) |
| 2023 | Quarterfinals | Various |
This table captures her recent progress, based on official tournament records up to 2025.
Pegula’s story is one of grit. She saved match points in past tournaments, like her 2023 Miami Open run, building the resilience seen today.
Jessica Pegula’s charge to the U.S. Open semifinals reminds us why we love sports: the thrill of comebacks and the joy of seeing hard work shine. As she eyes that elusive Grand Slam crown, her poise under pressure touches fans everywhere, showing dreams can bloom at any age. What do you think, will Pegula finally lift the trophy this year? Share your thoughts and pass this story to your friends on social media to keep the conversation going.
