Current:Home > StocksJessica Pegula comes back in wild three-setter to advance to US Open final -BeyondWealth Learning
Jessica Pegula comes back in wild three-setter to advance to US Open final
View
Date:2025-04-13 23:26:54
With a chance at reaching the U.S. Open final seemingly slipping away, Jessica Pegula muttered to herself about how poorly she was playing.
The only good news was that things couldn’t get any worse.
Facing the prospect of a quick and embarrassing defeat in the biggest match of her career, the 30-year-old American found her game just in time and ultimately overwhelmed Karolina Muchova, 1-6, 6-4, 6-2.
The win gives Pegula, the No. 6 seed, an opportunity to play for her first Grand Slam title Saturday against No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka.
''I came out flat. She made me look like a beginner,'' Pegula said on ESPN. "I was about to burst into tears. She was destroying me and I was able to find a way, find some adrenaline, find my legs and then I started to play how I wanted to play. It took awhile, but I don't know how I turned that around honestly."
One night after taking down top-ranked Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals, Pegula looked like a completely different player early on against Muchova. Struggling with her opponent’s backhand slice and net rushing tactics, Pegula lost seven games in a row and was in danger of going down 3-0 in the second set.
MORE:Aryna Sabalenka overpowers Emma Navarro to advance to U.S. Open final again
But after Muchova failed to convert on a second break of serve — missing a fairly routine stretch volley on break point — momentum completely shifted.
''I was thinking, alright that was kind of lucky. You’re still in this. And it comes down to small moments that flip momentum,'' Pegula said.
Not only did Muchova’s level drop, Pegula started to dig in with defense. Then, once she hit her normal rhythm, she started to control points with her clean, flat ball striking and prevent Muchova’s all-court game from imposing itself like it had in the first set.
Once she settled into the match, Pegula was unstoppable and grabbed the lead right away in the third set. Pegula was particularly dominant on return, winning 12 of 15 points in the second set when she got a look at a second serve. She only made a combined 13 unforced errors in the final two sets.
Pegula had never advanced this far at a Grand Slam, losing six times in the quarterfinals over the past four years. After struggling early in 2024, changing coaches and then sitting out the European clay season with a rib injury, this didn't seem a likely year to break through.
But Pegula caught fire when the North American hard court swing began, winning the Canadian Open and getting to the finals in Cincinnati where she lost 6-3, 7-5 to Sabalenka. It’s Pegula's only loss in her last 16 matches.
Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 5-2.
Follow Dan Wolken on social media @DanWolken
veryGood! (1144)
Related
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- David Lynch reveals he can't direct in person due to emphysema, vows to 'never retire'
- Republican congressman who voted to impeach Trump fights to survive Washington primary
- Algerian boxer Imane Khelif in Olympic women's semifinals: How to watch
- Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
- Sabrina Carpenter Makes Rare Comment About Boyfriend Barry Keoghan
- Brooke Shields to auction Calvin Klein jeans from controversial ad
- Kansas sees 2 political comeback bids in primary for open congressional seat
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- TikToker David Allen, Known as ToTouchAnEmu, Mourns Death of 5-Week-Old Baby Girl
Ranking
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- How Google's huge defeat in antitrust case could change how you search the internet
- Victoria Canal Addresses Tom Cruise Dating Rumors
- UK prime minister talks of ‘standing army’ of police to deal with rioting across Britain
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Social media pays tribute to the viral Montgomery brawl on one year anniversary
- US wrestler Amit Elor has become 'young GOAT' of her sport, through tragedy and loss
- Olympics surfing winners today: Who won medals Monday in the 2024 Paris Games in Tahiti?
Recommendation
Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
Army offering $10K reward for information on missing 19-year-old pregnant woman
Republican congressman who voted to impeach Trump fights to survive Washington primary
Olympics surfing winners today: Who won medals Monday in the 2024 Paris Games in Tahiti?
Global Warming Set the Stage for Los Angeles Fires
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz's Daughter Lucie Shares Rare Photo With Brother Desi Jr.
Lionel Richie Reacts to Carrie Underwood Joining Him and Luke Bryan on American Idol
What a last-place finish at last Olympics taught this US weightlifter for Paris Games