Jessica Pegula Advances to US Open Semifinals with Commanding Win
Jessica Pegula continues to redefine her career in New York. The 31-year-old American secured her place in the US Open semifinals on Tuesday with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Barbora Krejcikova, becoming the first woman since Serena Williams (2011-2014) to reach consecutive semifinals here without dropping a set.
The match showcased Pegula’s composed dominance, relying on consistency and accuracy over flashy play. She needed just 86 minutes to overcome her opponent, whose serve faltered under pressure with seven double faults and a first-serve percentage barely exceeding 40%. While Krejcikova struggled, Pegula maintained her focus, feeding off the energy of a nearly full Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"I started strong and kept the momentum, making her move a lot and pressuring her serve," Pegula said. "I managed the score well and recognized key moments."
The match began with Krejcikova surrendering her first service game after missing an overhead and committing a double fault. Pegula took a 4-2 lead but wavered slightly, allowing the Czech to break back. The setback was short-lived, as Krejcikova’s shaky serve cost her again in the next game, letting Pegula break once more and clinch the first set in 38 minutes. Pegula capitalized on her opponent’s inconsistent serve with sharp returns.
Krejcikova’s struggles continued into the second set as she was broken immediately, including consecutive double faults. Pegula, though not perfect—she double-faulted twice in one game at 2-1—regained composure with a fierce backhand winner before holding serve. When Krejcikova missed another forehand to drop serve again, Pegula secured a crucial advantage. Though she briefly lost one break, her control never truly wavered. Serving for the match at 5-3, she sealed the win on her second match point as Krejcikova’s forehand landed long.
The win marks a turnaround from Pegula’s recent form. After early exits in Montreal and Cincinnati, along with a first-round loss at Wimbledon, she had cut short a practice session in frustration before this tournament.
"Wimbledon was disappointing," Pegula admitted. "I was playing well, but it didn’t show in that first round. I experimented with something new and overcomplicated things." The solution, she said, was simplification. After Cincinnati, she focused on returning to basics, a strategy that has clearly worked.
Now, Pegula moves forward with renewed confidence as she aims for her first Grand Slam final.
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