Pegula: "This US Open is very open and there are many opportunities"

Jessica Pegula knows she has a historic opportunity at the US Open. The world number three has been the most consistent player on the WTA circuit throughout 2026 and has already won two titles (WTA 1000 Dubai and WTA 500 Charleston). However, a first Grand Slam title in her career would be the icing on the cake. Moreover, she is one of the main favorites for the title in one of the most open editions in New York.

However, the American confessed during her Media Day press conference that she experienced discomfort in Cincinnati. She also spoke about her role in the union as president of the WTA Architecture Council, as well as the opportunities presented in the most open and competitive US Open in recent times.

Jessica Pegula experienced physical discomfort in Cincinnati before arriving at the US Open

"I felt something in my match against Anisimova at the beginning of the second set and I wasn't sure. Sometimes, when something happens during a match, it distracts you a bit. You're obviously thinking about this tournament, but you also want to do well in Cincinnati; you have adrenaline and you want to compete. There are a lot of things going on."

"I was able to finish that match practically pain-free and then I had a day off. That was really important for me. So when I went out to play against Iga, I had no discomfort, and since then everything has been fine. That’s also why I played mixed doubles. Everything felt good. I've been training all week. Everything is perfect."

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Pegula sees a very open US Open

"I guess you can see it in both ways. I think looking at the points for the entire season is quite impressive, seeing how close the top ten players are for the WTA Finals. Everything is very competitive. Especially if you compare it to the men, just looking at the amount of points. I know that maybe we have a few more Masters 1000 than they do, but if you look at the difference in points between the top 10 players and the men, you can see that the depth is incredible."

"Everyone has been very consistent, and it makes it harder in a sense, but at least you know that there aren't one or two super dominant players against whom you feel you have to lose in order to have a chance. You can see it both ways. To me, it seems like this US Open is very open, and there are many opportunities."

Pegula boasts about her role in the union and the pressure on the Grand Slams

"What the players have achieved has been incredible. They have never had something like this with the Grand Slams, being able to create a council, as well as the contribution to the players' well-being and another increase in prize money. It shows that, by being united, both men and women, especially with the top players involved, we have exerted a lot of pressure on the Grand Slams to continue growing our sport and feel that we are making progress, at least from the players' perspective."

"Of course, there is still a lot of work to do and many things will arise, but I am very grateful, especially to the US Open, for stepping up with these announcements and wanting to make it a reality. I think it is very important for our sport, although obviously, that doesn't mean it ends there."

Pegula recalls her last two battles against Sabalenka at the US Open

"I feel like last year I played a very similar match against her in the semifinals. I always end up facing her here, and it seems like this is a tournament where she plays some of her best tennis, but also where I play some of my best tennis. Looking back at the final, the first thing I remember is that the atmosphere in the 2024 final was incredible. The roof was closed due to the weather, and it felt like everything was making a lot of noise."

Aryna keeps her title defense ALIVE 👑

Sabalenka prevails in a three-set showdown with Pegula to return to the US Open final! pic.twitter.com/jq8hepDUZ3

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2025

"Now I am a much better player. Honestly, I think I do a lot of things better now. That doesn't necessarily mean I will always execute them better, but I have improved many things since that final. I would love to be in that position again."

Pegula believes tennis is one of the most diverse sports

"Yes, I think in terms of diversity, Cincinnati was quite special. We were able to see three African American players: Arthur Fils, Frances Tiafoe, and Coco Gauff. Also with Alex Eala and Qinwen Zheng, seeing how tennis is growing in Asia has been really beautiful. The best thing about tennis is that there is so much diversity. Anyone from anywhere in the world can play."

"You have a bit of control over your destiny with your results. It's not a sport where someone decides who gets in or where certain people are selected. You can see talent from all over the world. I sincerely think it's one of the most diverse sports that exists and where there are more opportunities for people to participate. It's very nice to see how different communities support players coming from different parts of the world."

Pegula and the need to find a balance between tennis and events in New York

"It's complicated to balance it. I feel that every year we play here, the tournament keeps growing more and more. You try to enjoy all the amazing things New York has to offer, but I think it's also important to give yourself time to disconnect at night and organize your days so that you don't get overwhelmed with everything that happens. For many of the top players, especially the Americans, this week is probably one of the busiest of the year before the last Grand Slam."

"It's a bit of a contradiction because you want to enjoy all the incredible things New York has; it's fun and there are many events, but at the same time, you're trying to focus on the last Grand Slam. Over the years, I've improved at managing that. I just try to make sure I have a few days beforehand to disconnect, maybe even take more days off than usual, so that I don't arrive at the start of the tournament completely exhausted," concludes Jessica Pegula before starting a US Open where she has a good chance of coming out as the winner.
 

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Pegula: "Este US Open está muy abierto y hay muchas oportunidades"