Jessica Pegula Stuns at US Open: Inside Her First Grand Slam Semifinal Breakthrough

Jessica Pegula strides onto Arthur Ashe Stadium today with a clear mission: convert the momentum of her commanding first-week surge into another deep US Open run. The No. 4 seed meets fellow American Ann Li in the Round of 16, a rematch of their 2023 second-round encounter that Pegula won in straight sets and a welcome showcase of rising U.S. talent on tennis’ biggest stage. Pegula’s route to the tournament’s second week has looked business-like. She dismissed former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 7-5 in the third round, absorbing the Belarusian’s power before turning defense into effortless offense. That win extended her 2025 hard-court record to 32-8, reinforcing why many analysts peg her as one of the few players capable of disrupting the current Grand Slam monopoly held by Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek. Confidence rides high after Pegula’s breakout finals appearance here last year, where she stunned three top-10 opponents before falling one set short of the trophy. Twelve months on, the 31-year-old looks fitter, serves five miles per hour faster on average, and flashes an improved net game under new coach David Witt—elements that helped her capture the Toronto 1000 title earlier this summer. Today’s matchup offers stylistic intrigue. Li, ranked No. 42, thrives on redirecting pace and deploying sharp angles—tactics that can rattle more offensive-minded players. But Pegula’s compact backhand and trademark court positioning neutralized those patterns in their last meeting, and the Buffalo native enters with a 6-0 record against compatriots this season. Beyond the baseline, Pegula has embraced a leadership role inside the American locker room. After Coco Gauff’s emotional comeback on Friday, Pegula was the first player to greet her friend in the tunnel, later telling reporters, “We push each other; that’s why U.S. women’s tennis is surging again.” Keys to the match • First-serve percentage: Pegula has won 78 % of points behind her first delivery this fortnight. Dropping below 65 % could invite Li’s aggressive returns. • Backhand exchange: Both women favor their two-handers; whoever controls cross-court rallies opens the court for easy forehand finishes. • Net forays: Pegula averages 11 net approaches per match this event—up from just 4 last year—turning quick points into vital energy savings during New York’s humid evenings. What’s at stake A victory would book Pegula’s third straight US Open quarterfinal and inch her closer to a maiden Grand Slam title that would crown a steady climb from outside the top 60 four years ago. It would also solidify her push to surpass the injured Elena Rybakina for the year-end No. 3 ranking, positioning her favorably for the WTA Finals in Riyadh. For fans, the contest headlines a blockbuster Day 8 schedule featuring Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka in night-session action. But on Labor Day weekend, patriotic buzz belongs to Pegula, whose relentless consistency and understated charisma continue to captivate the Flushing Meadows faithful. Prediction Expect Li to flash early winners and keep the scoreline tight, yet Pegula’s superior return numbers (41 % break-rate through three rounds) and mental edge in tiebreaks tip the scales. Pegula in two tight sets feels the most probable scenario, setting up a potential quarterfinal with Wimbledon champion Markéta Vondroušová. As the sun dips behind the Manhattan skyline, watch for Pegula’s signature fist pump—part proclamation, part promise—that her quest for a first Grand Slam trophy is very much alive in Queens.