Jessica Pegula’s remarkable run at the US Open continued on Thursday as she overcame a slow start to defeat Karolina Muchova 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 and reach her first career Grand Slam singles final.
The match began with Muchova dominating, taking the first set 6-1 and racing to a 2-0 lead in the second. However, Pegula refused to give up, digging deep to win the next four games and level the match.
The third set was a tense affair, with both players holding serve until Pegula broke through for a 4-2 lead. Muchova fought back to deuce, but Pegula held her nerve and eventually sealed the victory.
“I was thinking…you’re still in this,” Pegula said of the turning point in the match. “I was able to just hold into that game and find a way.”
Pegula’s victory is a testament to her resilience and determination. She has now won two consecutive matches from a set down, including a quarterfinal win over Petra Kvitova.
In the final on Saturday, Pegula will face Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated her in the Cincinnati final just a few weeks ago. Sabalenka is the No. 2 seed at the US Open and will be a tough opponent, but Pegula will be confident after her impressive run to the final.
