MATCH REPORT | 2024 US Open: 41 unforced errors from Iga Swiatek propel Jessica Pegula to semis

Jessica Pegula stunned by defeating Iga Swiatek 6-2, 6-4 to advance to the US Open semifinals. The world No. 6 finally broke her quarterfinal barrier in a Grand Slam after six previous failed attempts at this stage.

Pegula’s victory guarantees a second American in the semifinals of the women’s draw, joining Emma Navarro. On the men's side, with Tiafoe and Fritz still in competition, there are four local players remaining.

It was a strange start for Swiatek, as she lost the first game with a double fault, ending her streak of 26 consecutive service games in the tournament without losing serve. Pegula began to control the match, taking the second break and moving ahead 4-0, showing great confidence.

The world No. 1 was not having her best day, but managed to defend a couple of her service games. However, the American player kept the pressure on, holding her serve without much trouble and taking the set 6-2.

There were only 3 winners on each side, showing that the set was marked by errors, especially from the Pole, who had 19 unforced errors compared to Pegula’s 12. Swiatek had only 36% of first serves in, while Pegula had 61%, constantly playing down the lines and surprising Swiatek.

After surprisingly losing the first set, the 5-time Grand Slam champion quickly went to the locker room, while Pegula stayed talking with her coach, Mark Knowles. This was the first time Swiatek had lost the first set in a Grand Slam draw since Wimbledon 2023, ending a streak of 21 consecutive matches at majors where she had won the opening set.

Swiatek entered the second set with renewed determination, quickly going up 40-0 and, for the first time in the match, seemed capable of controlling some points. However, it was only for a handful of points, as Pegula quickly found her rhythm again.

The first break went to the American, but Swiatek immediately broke back in the next game. They stayed level until 3-3, but Pegula continued to appear superior and more confident than her rival. The 7th game was fiercely contested, with Pegula’s confidence sky-high while Swiatek seemed a little lost on the court, even looking slow during rallies. Pegula capitalized on this to hit some winners, moving Swiatek around and securing the fourth break in her favor.

In the closing stages, Swiatek tried to recover, but she was far from her usual level and lacked confidence in her shots. On the other hand, Pegula played one of the best matches of her career, sealing the victory with her serve for a commanding 6-2, 6-4 win, finally reaching the US Open semifinals, where she will face Karolina Muchova.