Pegula Eyes Semifinal Breakthrough After US Open Quarterfinal Win
Jessica Pegula is once again making headlines at the US Open, having stormed into the quarterfinals after a decisive 6-4, 6-2 victory over Diana Shnaider. This win marks Pegula's seventh appearance in the quarterfinals at a Grand Slam, but she's yet to break past this stage. The No. 6 seed, who is also an American tennis star and daughter of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres owners, is determined to overcome her quarterfinal jinx. With a record of 0-6 in these pivotal matches, Pegula has her sights set firmly on advancing further this year.
Pegula’s recent form has been nothing short of spectacular. Over her last 14 matches, she has secured 13 victories, showcasing her prowess on hard courts. This impressive streak includes winning her second consecutive title in Canada and a runner-up finish at the Cincinnati Open, where she was bested by No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka. Reflecting on her current momentum, Pegula admitted, "I feel like there's been more pressure this year, because I did so well coming into this tournament. I want to keep working my way and hopefully bringing my best tennis for the later rounds this time."
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In addition to Pegula’s impressive run, Karolina Muchova is also back in the quarterfinals, having defeated No. 5 Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 6-3. Muchova, who had a breakthrough year in 2023 reaching the French Open final and US Open semifinals, is making a comeback after a significant wrist surgery that kept her out for ten months. Muchova expressed her joy, saying, "This was my worst and most serious injury, I would say. But I mean, I love the sport, so in my head, I was like, 'I will do everything I could to get better and try.' And here I am today. I’m just a really happy kid now."
Pegula’s journey in the tournament two years ago ended in the quarterfinals against world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, who eventually went on to win the title. As Pegula gears up for her next match, she could face Swiatek again if the Polish star wins her upcoming match against No. 16 Liudmila Samsonova. Pegula has faced world No. 1 players three times in her six previous quarterfinal exits, including losses to Ash Barty and Swiatek. When asked about her strategy for reaching the semifinals, Pegula humorously remarked, "I always say I just need to win the match to get to the semis, and then that'll solve everything, right?" She added, "Every match is every match. I’ve always played it like that. It just so happens to be (the) quarterfinals, but at the same time, to be able to say I've been in that position many, many times is great. So I just have to keep putting myself there and keep trying to play my game."
In her match against Shnaider, Pegula’s performance was exemplary. She hit 22 winners, served six aces, and saved 7 of 9 break points. Her court movement and groundstrokes were particularly impressive, making it clear why she is a force to be reckoned with at this year’s US Open. As Pegula herself noted, “I feel like I’m moving so much better around the court. This was the best I’ve felt off the ground.”
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Pegula as she aims to finally break through to the semifinals and beyond. Her determination and recent performances suggest that she might just achieve that long-awaited breakthrough.
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