Current:Home > ContactIndexbit-Jessica Pegula comes back in wild three-setter to advance to US Open final -AssetScope
Indexbit-Jessica Pegula comes back in wild three-setter to advance to US Open final
Johnathan Walker View
Date:2025-04-07 16:51:15
With a chance at reaching the U.S. Open final seemingly slipping away,Indexbit 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! (7334)
Related
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- FACT FOCUS: False claims follow Minnesota governor’s selection as Harris’ running mate
- Duane Thomas, who helped Dallas Cowboys win Super Bowl VI, dies at 77
- Josh Hall Mourns Death of Longtime Friend Gonzalo Galvez
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- The Best Crystals for Your Home & Where to Place Them, According to Our Experts
- A judge has branded Google a monopolist, but AI may bring about quicker change in internet search
- The Best Crystals for Your Home & Where to Place Them, According to Our Experts
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- FACT FOCUS: False claims follow Minnesota governor’s selection as Harris’ running mate
Ranking
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- The Best Crystals for Your Home & Where to Place Them, According to Our Experts
- Chemical vs. mineral sunscreen: Dermatologists explain types of UV protection
- Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose finalize divorce after abuse claims, leaked audio
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- How Blake Lively Honored Queen Britney Spears During Red Carpet Date Night With Ryan Reynolds
- GOP Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee says FBI took his cellphone in campaign finance probe
- Climate Advocates Rally Behind Walz as Harris’ VP Pick
Recommendation
Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
Why AP called Missouri’s 1st District primary for Wesley Bell over Rep. Cori Bush
Dozens of sea lions in California sick with domoic acid poisoning: Are humans at risk?
Algerian boxer will get final word in ridiculous saga by taking home gold or silver medal
Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
Over 55,000 Avocado Green Mattress pads recalled over fire hazard
Disney returns to profit in third quarter as streaming business starts making money for first time
Billy Bean, second openly gay ex-MLB player who later worked in commissioner’s office, dies at 60