Jessica Pegula has once again reached the quarterfinals at the US Open, marking her seventh appearance at this stage in a Grand Slam tournament. However, despite her consistent performance in getting to this round, Pegula has yet to secure a win in a major quarterfinal, holding a 0-6 record. The No. 6-seeded Pegula, known for her American roots and her family’s ownership of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, is currently on a hot streak, having won 13 of her past 14 matches on hard courts. This includes clinching her second consecutive title in Canada and reaching the final at the Cincinnati Open, where she fell to No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka. Pegula expressed feeling more pressure this year due to her strong lead-up to the US Open, emphasizing her desire to bring her best tennis to the later rounds this time around.
Karolina Muchova has also made her way back to the quarterfinals, securing a 6-3, 6-3 victory over No. 5 Jasmine Paolini. After an impressive 2023 season that saw Muchova reach the final in Paris and the semifinals in New York, her progress was halted by a serious right wrist injury that required surgery, keeping her off the court for 10 months. Reflecting on her recovery, Muchova described it as her most severe injury but credited her love for the sport as the driving force behind her determination to return stronger. Muchova’s triumphant comeback has brought her back to the forefront of the tennis scene, and she expressed her joy and gratitude for being able to compete at the highest level once again.
For Pegula, her journey to the quarterfinals two years ago ended in defeat against eventual champion Iga Swiatek. As she prepares to face the winner of the Swiatek vs. Liudmila Samsonova match, Pegula acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly in light of her previous exits against top-ranked players like Swiatek and Ash Barty. Maintaining a positive outlook, Pegula joked about the simple strategy of winning the match to advance to the semifinals, highlighting her focus on taking each match as it comes and sticking to her game plan. Against 18th-seeded Diana Shnaider, Pegula showcased her formidable skills with 22 winners, 6 aces, and a strong performance on serve, saving 7 of 9 break points she faced.
The US Open quarterfinals have welcomed back familiar faces in Jessica Pegula and Karolina Muchova, both determined to make their mark on the tournament. As they continue their quests for success, overcoming past setbacks and embracing the challenges ahead, these players exemplify the resilience and passion that define the sport of tennis at its highest level. The stage is set for thrilling matchups and inspiring performances as the competition heats up at Flushing Meadows.
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