Jessica
Pegula has consistently improved in Grand Slam events, but she has never
reached the semifinals, something she hopes to change at the
US Open.
The
American tennis player has entered the main draw as one of the top four seeds
in a Grand Slam for the fourth consecutive time. In June 2022, she entered the
top 10 and has remained there uninterrupted, currently holding her best ranking
at world No. 3.
As the
third seed, she is the main American hope on the women's side alongside Coco
Gauff, although Pegula has a more favorable draw. Her position allowed her to
avoid facing Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina until the
semifinals.
Pegula is
one of the most consistent players on the WTA tour and has managed to secure
high positions without major results in Grand Slams. She has reached the
quarterfinals six times, three times in the Australian Open and once in Roland
Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
In her last
seven Grand Slam appearances, spanning 2022 and 2023, Pegula has reached the
quarterfinals five times, but she has never surpassed that stage.
This time,
she will aim to break through that barrier for the first time in her career.
She arrives at the US Open in her prime after winning the WTA 1000 Canadian
Open, defeating the world No. 1 Swiatek in the semifinals.
Additionally,
she will have the advantage of playing on home soil, an event where the crowd's
influence is known to be significant.
Pegula will
start her US Open journey on Tuesday, August 29, at the Arthur Ashe Stadium
against the Italian Camila Giorgi. In their head-to-head matches, Pegula holds
an 8-2 advantage, having won the last five encounters.
The
American's consistency also places her among the favorites for the main doubles
draw, where she will team up with her regular partner Coco Gauff. They entered
the draw as the third seeds and are set to make their debut on Wednesday
against fellow Americans Elizabeth Mandlik and Quinn Gleason.