Jessica Pegula has emphatically lived up to the hopes of millions of home fans at this year’s US Open. After a shaky lead-up, marked by early exits in Montreal and Cincinnati, the American turned the tide when it mattered most, storming into the semifinals of the NewYork Major for the second consecutive year.
Though her grit and efforts significantly contributed to her reaching the last four, Pegula also believes a somewhat favorable draw added to her advantage.
What Did Jessica Pegula Say About the US Open Draw Following Win Over Barbora Krejčíková?
Pegula has displayed complete dominance at the 2025 US Open, sailing through the draw without dropping a set. The 31-year-old dispatched Mayar Sherif 6-0, 6-4, Anna Blinkova 6-1, 6-3, and Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 7-5, before overcoming compatriot Ann Li 6-1, 6-2 to storm into the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows.
In fact, former Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejčíková barely troubled Pegula. The American took control from start to finish, producing 17 winners to secure a 6-3, 6-3 victory and advance to her second consecutive US Open semifinal. Krejčíková, in contrast, struggled throughout, committing 24 unforced errors while managing just 14 winners.
After her quarterfinal win over the Czech, Pegula reflected that she didn’t need as many matches as expected to gain confidence. She acknowledged benefiting from a favorable draw, noting she hadn’t faced opponents who truly challenged her so far.
“I guess I don’t need as many matches as I thought. I think having matches and having that confidence always helps but at the same time it doesn’t mean that it’s going to translate into going deep into a slam. I think I have gotten somewhat of a favorable draw leading up to today. I think I haven’t really had to play anyone like matchup-wise as well, that has really bothered me at times,” she said in her press conference.
But that wasn’t the only reason for her success at the US Open. She added that handling her matches efficiently and convincingly against her opponents has boosted her confidence, allowing her to ‘take care of business’ and feel assured in her performance.
“So, I think that has helped, but at the same time, I’ve been able to kind of go into those matches and really like take care of business. So, I think that’s also what’s given me a lot of confidence as I’ve had. I’ve played good players, but convincing over those players,” she added.
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What Did Pegula Say About Her Win Over ‘Super Dangerous’ Barbora Krejčíková?
Although Pegula’s victory over Krejčíková seemed straightforward, she didn’t underestimate her opponent. The American later acknowledged that the Czech produced some quality shots that could have shifted the momentum in her favor.
“And then today, we know Barbora can play how she plays and she’s super dangerous and there was even moments in the match where she hit some really good shots where I felt like the momentum could have shifted and stuff like that. But I did a good job again, playing the score really well,” she said.
She added that she has built the confidence to reach the semifinals by staying aware of momentum shifts in each match and handling them effectively.
“Recognizing those moments, the momentum shifts, and I think that’s something I’ve done well throughout every single match, which is giving me the confidence that I’ve needed to work my way all the way to the semis,” she added.
Although the tournament has been relatively smooth for Pegula, she must guard against overconfidence as a stern challenge awaits in defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. The matchup is daunting, with Pegula trailing 2-7 in their head-to-head, including a dominant triumph in their most recent meeting at the Miami Open final.
