"I have been [to the quarterfinals] so many freakin’ times. I just kept losing." Jessica Pegula shares main delight after ending Grand Slam hoodoo at US Open
WTA
Jessica Pegula ended the hoodoo that has surrounded her so long around not reaching a major semi-final by booking her spot in the last four of the 2024 US Open.
Pegula took down World No.1 Iga Swiatek 6-2, 6-4 and a big chance now awaits with only Aryna Sabalenka still involved who has won a major title. She has been the favourite though since Day One but Pegula has been right behind her in recent weeks.
But it was not only sealing the win but it is the questioning that surrounds the hoodoo. Pegula laughed as she shared her delight that finally the questioning about her losing in the Quarter-Finals after six in a row would end.
"I'm so happy that you guys cannot ask me about making it to the semis. It wasn't even a me thing, it was more like people asking me. I'm really happy to make it through to the semi-finals," said Pegula laughing.
"I have been [to the quarterfinals] so many freakin’ times. I just kept losing. But to great players … everyone keeps asking me about it, but I was like, ‘I don’t know what to do. I just need to get there again and win the match."
“It wasn’t so much the round,” she continued. “It’s just, like, winning a big match…. There’s a lot of other variables: beating her, No 1 player in the world, (on) Ashe, (in) primetime, trying to make a semi-final, knowing that I’m up — knowing that I’m playing well. I’m giving myself a really good opportunity.
“I’ve had some really good wins, I feel like, the last couple of weeks, and been playing some really good tennis. So at the same time I still was pretty relaxed and felt like I was going to be able to get the job done.”
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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