Pegula cannot explain her defeat: "I didn't feel like I did anything wrong"

Raquel Bermúdez Rodríguez | 5 Sep 2025 | 06.43

Pegula can't explain her defeat: "I didn't feel like I did anything wrong." Photo: Getty

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Jessica Pegula had the opportunity to achieve great things in her semifinal at the US Open 2025 against Aryna Sabalenka, but the world number one was able to assert control against a highly demanding rival. The American shared a photo on social media showing how she drowned her sorrows in the tournament's famous drink.

But before that happened, the American player attended a press conference to analyze that tough loss against the world number one, also commenting on aspects of her game where she could have raised her level in crucial moments to secure the win.

"It was a match of very high level. I don't know what else to say. I don't know how I didn't break back in the third set. I played some very good points to win the first. She raised her level, started to serve much better in the second. Then I felt it was very close in the third, there wasn't much difference. I felt that both of us were serving quite well," said the American.

"She hit some incredible shots, like on the break point. I didn't feel like I did anything wrong. It seemed like the level was very high, and we were pushing each other in every game."

"I always feel like I'm close. I am one of the best players in the world. I always feel like I can go out and beat these rivals. Although I may not have the power of some or the flashiness of others, I feel like I'm always there when I play against them. I felt like when I played her last time.

I have felt good against the top players, and I know I didn't face a seeded player until I reached the semifinals, but I was playing good tennis. Considering how my summer started and how the trend was going, I am happy to have made the effort to play against the best player in the world right now."

Her rivalry with Sabalenka

"Strategically, I played much better with her than the last times. Looking ahead to the next match, I have an idea of what I need to do. Obviously, execution is another story. There were some very small things I could have done differently at the end. If she goes out and hits good returns and connects winners on the first ball, some literally on the line, I don't know what I'm supposed to do about it. She's too good. That's how she plays, with a lot of courage, and it works for her. I don't think I play like that."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Pegula no se explica su derrota: "No sentí que hiciera nada mal"