Incremental improvement for Pegula shows first Grand Slam semi-final is likely next step

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.