On the seventh attempt, Pegula finally succeeded

Fernando Murciego | 5 Sep 2024 | 02.51

Jessica Pegula advances to her first Grand Slam semifinal. Source: Getty

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We will have a new US Open champion! This would be the most relevant headline after what just happened a few minutes ago at Arthur Ashe with the elimination of Iga Swiatek at the hands of Jessica Pegula (6-2, 6-4). A very complete match from the American, focused from start to finish, taking advantage of the grayest version of the Polish player that we've seen throughout the tournament. Another surprise to add to this unpredictable event that reinforces the idea that the curtain could close with a historic weekend for the local players. Currently, 50% of the semifinalists will defend the flag of the 13 stripes and 50 stars.

Every time these two face each other, my mind starts the match with the same question: why couldn't Pegula win? Honestly, I have a great appreciation for the American, whether it's her work ethic, carefree nature, or naturalness in a world that's too orchestrated. For whatever reason, I tend to rejoice in her victories, although they tend to diminish when the Polish player interferes with her plans. Looking at their history, the Polish player had already prevented her from reaching the final four of a Grand Slam a couple of times, the big pending task for the local tennis player. Would she be able to break her ceiling this time or would we see the same story as always?

Suddenly, to whet the appetite, a 6-2 lead for Pegula in a little over half an hour. A demonstration of intentions on one side and worried faces on the other. That's what happens when you stumble so many times on the same stone—you end up losing respect for the result, although we must not be unfair to Jessica either. If she won that first set, it was because she was far superior, because the hardcourt favors her game more, and last but not least, because the woman on the other side of the net was not the same player who dominated on the clay-court tour. May is May, and September is September, at least that was the message the World No. 1 was sending us, exhausted after a very demanding schedule and making uncharacteristic errors for a player of her caliber. You have to play the cards you're dealt, and the American did it perfectly.

BETTER IN EVERY ASPECT

The second set started more playful, more balanced, with a long list of break opportunities in a pivotal seventh game. It was the psychological point we were waiting for, and once again, Buffalo's player was better, clinching that game and then finishing off the opponent in the next. Impatient Swiatek, lacking a certain fighting spirit, but surely also lacking energy at this stage of the season. That medal in Paris, even if it was bronze, still weighed heavily emotionally. Pegula didn't forgive, easily securing her spot in a Grand Slam semifinal for the first time, also knocking out the best player in the world.

A harsh blow for Iga, who closes her Grand Slam season in 2024 with the feeling of not having evolved compared to the previous season. Excellent at Roland Garros; vulnerable elsewhere. Go ahead, Pegula, who, with a streak of 14 wins in her last 15 matches, will start as the favorite in her upcoming match against Muchova. American tennis is celebrating these days, although the toughest challenges are still ahead.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, A la séptima fue la vencida para Pegula