Jessica Pegula’s relentless pursuit of Grand Slam glory has taken a significant leap forward at the US Open. The American star, known for her consistent play but limited mobility, has undergone a transformative shift in her training regimen, resulting in a noticeable improvement in her movement and agility.
In her quarterfinal clash against rising star Diana Shnaider, Pegula showcased her newfound explosiveness, darting across the court with ease and neutralizing Shnaider’s aggressive style. The 30-year-old’s ability to recover from awkward positions and maintain her aggression proved crucial in her 6-4, 6-2 victory.
Pegula’s focus on agility and footwork has paid dividends, allowing her to stay in rallies and apply pressure on her opponents. She has also added variety to her game, incorporating slices and changing the pace of her shots to keep her adversaries guessing.
“I’m able to get pulled off the court but still not get behind in the point,” Pegula said. “I can get out of the corners and still be aggressive with my shots.”
Pegula’s serve, once a potential vulnerability, has also shown signs of improvement. While she may not possess the power of some of her rivals, she has developed a smart and consistent serve that has helped her navigate challenging situations.
“I’ve been serving pretty well,” she said. “Even if it’s not working, I’ve been kind of getting myself out of service games by serving smart or serving well in big moments.”
With her enhanced movement and serve, Pegula is poised to make a deep run at the US Open. However, she remains cautious, acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead.
“I know you don’t want the cliche answer,” she said. “but it’s just kind of one match at a time, and every day kind of feels different.”
For Pegula, a perennial Grand Slam quarterfinalist, a different feeling could be just the tonic she needs to break through the barrier and reach the semifinals and beyond.
