On Tuesday, Jessica Pegula showcased her impressive form at the US Open, defeating Barbora Krejcikova 6-3, 6-3 to secure her spot in the semi-finals. Pegula’s victory signals her second consecutive advancement to the final four of a Grand Slam, where she will face Aryna Sabalenka, who progressed unopposed after Marketa Vondrousova withdrew due to a knee injury.
After winning her match, Pegula expressed satisfaction with her performance, highlighting the importance of serving well against a player as formidable as Krejcikova. “I’ve been playing solid, and I was really focused today,” she remarked, acknowledging the tension during critical moments of the match, particularly when Krejcikova mounted a challenge while Pegula was serving for the match.
Vondrousova’s withdrawal, announced just hours before her scheduled quarter-final against Sabalenka, dealt a blow to tournament fans. The 2023 Wimbledon champion stated in a heartfelt message on social media that she tried her best to compete but ultimately decided against risking further injury after feeling discomfort during warm-up. Vondrousova had made a remarkable return to form in New York, having recently beaten notable opponents to reach the quarter-finals.
Despite the disappointment surrounding Vondrousova’s exit, Sabalenka’s path to the semi-finals remains strong. The defending champion expressed her sympathy on social media, wishing her opponent a swift recovery and acknowledging the impressive tennis Vondrousova had displayed throughout the tournament.
In her match against Krejcikova, Pegula proved relentless, using her powerful serves and strategic play to dismantle the Czech’s defense. Krejcikova, a two-time Grand Slam champion, struggled with her consistency throughout the match, tallying 24 unforced errors, including seven double faults, compared to Pegula’s more controlled performance.
The match was characterized by Pegula’s dominant start, breaking Krejcikova’s serve early and maintaining pressure. Krejcikova attempted to rally, recouping a break in the first set and showing flashes of brilliance, but ultimately could not sustain her momentum against Pegula’s steady resolve.
Reflecting on her recent performance, Pegula, the world number four, identified a key shift in her mindset leading into the US Open. After a rocky period that included early exits at Wimbledon and a series of disappointing results, she focused on simplifying her game and rediscovering her rhythm on hard courts.
Looking ahead, Pegula must prepare to face Sabalenka in a rematch of last year’s US Open final, which the Belarusian won in straight sets. Historically, Sabalenka has dominated their encounters, winning seven of their nine matches, but Pegula remains confident that her recent adjustments and current form could turn the tide in this high-stakes battle.
As the tournament progresses, anticipation builds for the remaining quarter-finals, including a key match-up between former champions Iga Swiatek and Amanda Anisimova, along with a clash featuring Karolina Muchova and Naomi Osaka. With the stakes higher than ever, the drama of the US Open continues to captivate tennis fans worldwide.
