Jessica Pegula to Face Aryna Sabalenka in US Open Women’s Final Saturday

NEW YORK — In January, Aryna Sabalenka celebrated her second consecutive Australian Open title. Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula faced an early exit in the second round, losing to a player ranked 51st. Fast forward to now, Pegula is now set to challenge Sabalenka, seeded No. 2, for the U.S. Open championship this Saturday.

Reflecting on her journey, Pegula remarked, “If you would have told me at the beginning of the year I’d be in the finals of the U.S. Open, I would have laughed so hard.” The 30-year-old American reached this career milestone by defeating Karolina Muchova in the semifinals, overcoming a challenging start to win 1-6, 6-4, 6-2.

“It’s perfect, really,” Pegula said. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete in her home country, emphasizing that the chance to vie for the title means everything to her as a competitor.

Pegula’s path to the finals has not been straightforward. She is the oldest U.S. woman in the Open era, which began in 1968, to reach her first major singles final. Over the years, she has faced numerous hurdles, including serious injuries.

A knee surgery in 2013 and a hip operation that kept her off the court for over half of 2017 are just a few examples of the challenges Pegula has navigated. This season, a rib injury sidelined her for two months, preventing her from competing at the French Open.

Pegula also endured a seven-match Grand Slam losing streak that concluded in New York in 2020. She had never reached a quarterfinal in a major tournament until this week, when she defeated reigning No. 1 Iga Swiatek to secure her spot in the finals.

Despite the trials, Pegula never truly lost hope of achieving her childhood dream of winning a Grand Slam title. She acknowledged that while there were difficult moments of doubt, she always managed to regain her focus and determination. “In the end, I always would kind of snap back,” Pegula explained, underscoring her resilience. “I have always been good at doing that.”

Raised in New York, Pegula is the daughter of Terry and Kim Pegula, who own the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and NHL’s Buffalo Sabres. This connection to professional sports perhaps nurtured her competitive spirit and dedication.

Currently, Pegula is riding a wave of success, having recorded 15 wins against just one loss since transitioning to hard courts after the Paris Olympics. During this span, she notched a title in Toronto and finished as a runner-up in Cincinnati.

The sole loss in this impressive stretch was at the hands of Sabalenka, showcasing the formidable challenge she faces in the finals. For Sabalenka, this match represents her fourth consecutive final at a hard-court major, including her last two triumphs at the Australian Open. She also reached the finals at the U.S. Open last year, where she faced Coco Gauff.

During that previous final, the American audience rallied behind Gauff, creating an intense atmosphere that affected Sabalenka. Despite the pressure, the Belarusian player finds motivation in her setbacks. “Tough losses never make me feel depressed,” she said after defeating Emma Navarro in the semifinals. “It only motivates me to come back and try harder.”

As the final approaches, both Pegula and Sabalenka will look to seize their moment, highlighting a journey marked by resilience, determination, and the sheer will to succeed on the grandest stage of tennis.

Source: Associated Press