Pegula's stunning comeback secures her place in the US Open final. © Twitter (@usopen)
Jessica Pegula secured her place in the US Open final with a thrilling 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 comeback victory over Karolina Muchova in the semifinals. Initially struggling against Muchova’s aggressive play, Pegula fought back from a 1-6, 0-2 deficit to achieve her first Grand Slam final appearance.
At 30 years old, Pegula has become the oldest American woman in the Open Era to reach her first Grand Slam final, joining Serena Williams and Martina Navratilova. Her impressive run through the hard-court summer, including overcoming injury setbacks, underscores her resilience and skill.
Muchova took early control, showcasing powerful all-court play to win the first set and extend her lead to 2-0 in the second. However, Pegula began her comeback by improving her baseline play and strategic shot-making. After saving a crucial break point, Pegula turned the tide, breaking Muchova’s serve to level the match.
The turning point came in the second set when Pegula broke Muchova’s serve and held on to force a deciding third set. Despite Muchova’s efforts to regain control, Pegula’s consistent performance and tactical adjustments led her to break Muchova early in the final set and eventually seal the match.
Pegula’s win sets up a final clash against World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, who had previously defeated her in the Cincinnati Open final. As Pegula prepares for the US Open final, she aims to cap off an exceptional summer with her first major title. Her journey from early-season struggles to a Grand Slam final highlights her determination and marks a significant milestone in her career.
